Crunching the Numbers: Heroes Rule, Bulls Charge, and Dreamers Still Dream in RPL’s Opening Week

After a frenetic opening week, the inaugural Mumbai Rugby Premier League (RPL) has delivered high-octane action, international star power, and some jaw-dropping numbers as the playoff fight hots up.

 

Key Takeaways From Week 1

 

Hyderabad Heroes Unbeaten at the Summit: Hyderabad Heroes, skippered by Fijian star Joji Nasova, are the only unbeaten side, having won all five matches and heading the table with 19 points. Nasova, who has only been included in an HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team, leads the try-scorers' table and has been key to Hyderabad's clinical victories, including last week's 19-12 win over Mumbai Dreamers.

 

Chennai Bulls and Bengaluru Bravehearts in Close Contention: Chennai Bulls have 17 points and one game in hand and were leading till a 0-26 shutout defeat against Bengaluru Bravehearts, now third with 13 points after a poor start but excellent recent form.

 

Delhi Redz Hold Fourth, Kalinga Black Tigers Eye Revival: Delhi Redz, with two wins and one draw, are placed fourth on 7 points. Kalinga Black Tigers, with players like Perry Baker and Lucas Lacamp in their side, are placed fifth on 5 points from six matches, having beaten Delhi in their last match.

 

Mumbai Dreamers' Backline Resilience Not Yet Translated into Victory: Mumbai Dreamers have not yet won from six games and have made the second-most tackles in the tournament (97). Their lack of effectiveness in attack has left them at the bottom.

 

Format and Fan Base: RPL boasts six city-franchises, marquee foreign players, and a new four-minute quarter format. The league has garnered a lot of eyeballs with matches being broadcast on Star Sports, JioHotstar, and RugbyPass TV (globally).

 

Upcoming Fixtures: The second round will see more fireworks, with Chennai and Bengaluru fighting for second place, and Hyderabad hoping to extend their unbeaten streak.

 

This league has the potential to be big and successful in India. It is a great broadcast property and a great on-ground property," said GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi. 

 

Source: The Tribune India, RugbyPass, BC Rugby News, Sporting News India