Our 7s Stars to Play in India

More Fiji men and women 7s players are expected to play in Season 2 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) competition in India, that gets underway today.

The tournament started last year with the men’s competition and has now included the women’s as well. Some clubs are still finalising their list of international players.

“It has always been our dream at Rugby India to have an RPL women’s edition,” said Rugby India president Rahul Bose.

“This year, that dream comes to fruition. We have our partners and our wonderful franchises to thank. Women’s 7s rugby across the world is as exciting as men’s 7s rugby. And our Indian women are superb.”

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, four of the existing six men’s teams, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers, formerly Kalinga Black Tigers and now relocated from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata, will also field women’s teams.

This marks a significant stride towards inclusivity and the growth of rugby in India. The addition of women’s teams underscores the league’s commitment to fostering a robust and sustainable rugby ecosystem while providing a premier platform for female athletes to showcase their talent at the highest level, according to a press release from Rugby India.

The tournament is played at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Fijiana 7s players of Ana Maria Naimasi has signed up for Chennai Bulls while Lavena Cavuru and Silika Qalo have joined Delhi Redz.

Fiji men’s 7s rugby head coach Osea Kolinisau will be coaching Kolkata Banga Tigers and joining him is recent World Rugby 7s Players of Year Award nominee Vuiviwa Naduvalo.

Fiji-born former Wallabies star winger Marika Koroibete has been named by Chennai Bulls where he is joined by France-based utility back Kaminieli Rasaku. Retaining their spots with the Bulls are Filipe Sauturaga and forward Joseva Ta-lacolo. Koroibete is currently playing club rugby in Japan. Former All Blacks 7s head coach Tomasi Cama will be guiding Delhi Redz with Alasio Naduva in his squad.

Fiji-born All Blacks 7s halfback Akuila Rokolisoa is back for Bengaluru Bravehearts.