The Chennai Bulls made history by winning the inaugural Rugby Premier League title with a record-breaking 41-0 victory over the Delhi Redz in Mumbai. The Hyderabad Heroes secured third place, defeating Bengaluru Bravehearts 17-12. The RPL Season 1 finale showcased thrilling rugby and a bright future for the sport.
Rugby enthusiasts were treated to a spectacular display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer dominance as the Chennai Bulls clinched the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) title in emphatic style. In the final held at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, Mumbai, the Bulls outclassed the Delhi Redz with a staggering 41-0 victory, making a historic statement in the Indian rugby landscape.
This commanding win not only gave the Chennai Bulls their maiden RPL title but also set a record for the largest winning margin in the league’s first season. From the first whistle to the last, the Bulls looked in complete control, showcasing discipline, aggression, and teamwork that their opponents simply couldn’t match.
Early Domination Sets the Tone
The Chennai Bulls wasted no time in asserting their authority, launching a fierce offensive that caught the Delhi Redz off-guard. Vaafauese Maliko opened the scoring with a clinical try, which was converted with precision by Filipe Sauturaga. The Redz were reeling soon after as Joseva Talacolo finished a sweeping move to add five more points to the tally.
Terry Kennedy, whose pace and agility stood out throughout the tournament, added two scintillating tries before the break, leaving defenders in his wake. Gaurav Kumar converted both tries, ensuring the Bulls headed into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead.
Relentless Second-Half Surge
The Bulls didn’t let up after the interval. They maintained their aggressive tempo and continued to pin the Redz deep in their own half. Shanawaz Ahmed scored off a brilliant assist from Kennedy, and once again, Sauturaga made no mistake with the conversion. With the score reading 31-0 and just four minutes remaining, the match was effectively over, but the Bulls were far from finished.
In the dying moments of the game, Mohammed Ashique scored two late tries to seal the deal and push the final score to 41-0. The Bulls’ victory was not just comprehensive—it was a statement of supremacy that will echo into future seasons of the RPL.
Hyderabad Heroes Clinch Third Place
Earlier in the day, the Hyderabad Heroes secured a gritty 17-12 win over the Bengaluru Bravehearts to claim third place in the RPL. Despite finishing the league stage on top of the table, the Heroes had fallen short in the semifinals. However, they ended their campaign on a high by overcoming a spirited Bravehearts side.
The Bravehearts got off to a strong start, with tries from Tone Shiu and Philip Wokorach, and a conversion by Akuila Rokolisoa giving them a solid first-half lead. But the Heroes staged a determined comeback, led by Joji Nasova’s first-half try and Manuel Moreno’s conversion.
| Also Read: “Everyone’s heart was in their mouth”: Rohit on SKY’s iconic catch |
In the second half, Kevin Wekesa and Bhupinder Singh added crucial tries to complete the turnaround and secure the win. The match was a fitting curtain-raiser for the grand final, offering spectators an exciting glimpse into the depth of talent in Indian rugby.
A Glorious Start for RPL
The successful conclusion of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League signals a bright future for the sport in India. With its competitive structure, high-caliber athletes, and enthusiastic fan support, the RPL has laid a strong foundation. And with the Chennai Bulls setting the benchmark in style and performance, the league is bound to grow in stature and popularity in the seasons ahead.
