Kolkata,11th June 2026:
Rugby in Eastern India is set for a major milestone as the Kolkata Banga Tigers, Kolkata’s first-ever franchise in the Rugby Premier League (RPL), prepare to make their highly anticipated debut this season with a squad featuring 26 players from 11 countries.
The franchise enters the competition with an impressive roster that includes Olympians, World Champions, National Champions and several internationally accomplished rugby players. The diverse and experienced squad reflects the team’s ambition to establish itself as a competitive force while contributing to the growth of rugby across the region.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Kolkata Banga Tigers have also launched a women’s team, making the franchise one of only four teams in India to field a women’s squad in this year’s Rugby Premier League.
Speaking at the launch event, Rugby India Vice President Sanaya Mehta Vyas expressed her excitement about Kolkata’s entry into the league and its potential impact on the sport’s development in Eastern India.
“Kolkata has always shared a special relationship with rugby and it is wonderful to see the city represented on the Rugby Premier League stage. The launch of the Kolkata Banga Tigers marks an important step for the growth of the sport in Eastern India. I am equally excited to see Kolkata field a women’s team this season, creating greater opportunities and visibility for female rugby players while inspiring the next generation of athletes,” she said.
Shruti, spokesperson for Kolkata Banga Tigers, highlighted the franchise’s commitment to rugby development in India.
“Hunch Ventures has been associated with rugby in India for several years, and our participation in the Rugby Premier League with the Kolkata Banga Tigers is a natural extension of that commitment. Given Kolkata’s unique place in rugby’s history, it is a fitting home for the franchise,” she said.
Men’s team Head Coach Osea Kolinisau said the squad has been carefully assembled with players possessing extensive international experience.
“We have assembled a talented group of players with extensive international experience. Our focus is on building a team that plays with intensity, discipline and pride, and we are excited to represent Kolkata in the franchise’s inaugural season,” he said.
Women’s team Head Coach Paul Delport described the launch of the women’s side as a significant moment for rugby in India.
“The launch of the women’s team is an important moment for rugby in India. We have a strong group of athletes who are eager to compete at the highest level & we hope this team inspires more young girls to take up the sport,” he said.
The HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026 will be held from June 16 to June 30 at Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Stadium. With elite international talent, experienced leadership and a vision to promote rugby across Eastern India, the Kolkata Banga Tigers are set to carry Kolkata’s ambitions onto one of the biggest stages in the sport during their inaugural campaign.
Owned by Hunch Ventures, the Kolkata Banga Tigers represent a new chapter for rugby in the city. Through both their men’s & women’s teams, the franchise aims to inspire future generations, expand participation in the sport and establish Kolkata as an emerging hub for rugby in India…
