- Kenya 7s trio Samwel Asati, Nygel Amaitsa, and John Okoth are the new faces set to feature in season two of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India.
- The trio will link up with Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa, who were retained by their respective clubs, while the inaugural women’s category will feature Grace Okulu and Sheila Chajira.
- The second season runs from June 16–28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.
Kenya 7s trio Samwel Asati, Nygel Amaitsa, and John Okoth are the fresh faces set to join Season 2 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India.
The three will link up with Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa, who were retained by their respective clubs after making history by featuring in the HSBC League’s debut last season at Mumbai Football Arena, where HSBC SVNS Series stars also took part.
Wekesa was recalled to suit up for the Hyderabad Heroes, while speedster Odongo stayed with Delhi Redz.
Meanwhile, Shujaa captain Asati, Amaitsa, and Okoth will join Odongo at the Redz as the second season kicks off from June 16–28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s star Kevin Wekesa retained for season 2 of the Rugby Premier League
Following a successful opening campaign in Mumbai, the league returns in that fast-paced Rugby 7s format, sticking to its mission of speeding up rugby’s growth and global competitiveness in India.
The upcoming edition will again feature six franchises, blending a cool mix of international stars and rising Indian talent.
The first season of the Rugby Premier League set a solid benchmark, with Chennai Bulls crowned inaugural champions after a thrilling run, smashing Delhi Redz with a resounding 41–0 victory in the final held at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex.
Thus, the Redz will be aiming to lean on the four Kenya 7s players to push them to back-to-back finals, hoping to clinch the title this time around after that silver finish last season at Mumbai Football Arena.
On the other hand, Wekesa retained by Hyderabad Heroes, will be chasing glory in the second season after his side bagged bronze, finishing third by defeating Bengaluru Bravehearts 17–12 in the third-place playoff.
The core men’s teams are Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers.
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s stars Odongo, Wekesa claim silverware in India’s inaugural Rugby Premier League
Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu named for inaugural Women’s Rugby Premier League
In addition, Season 2 of the HSBC Rugby Premier League is set to be bigger and more dynamic, with Rugby India introducing its inaugural women’s edition in June, featuring four franchise teams.
Four of the six men’s teams that competed in the RPL in 2025 will also field women’s squads. Those four are Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers.
Kenya Lionesses players have also been called up for this historic women’s inaugural league, with Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu getting the nod.
Chajira has been brought on board to play for Chennai Bulls, while Okulu will represent Mumbai Dreamers, hoping to make their mark in India.
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said rolling out a women’s competition has long been a priority and reflects the growing appeal of women’s rugby globally.
He added that the upcoming season will showcase the strength of Indian female players on a professional stage.
“It has always been our dream at Rugby India to have an RPL Women’s edition. This year that dream comes to life. We have our partners, GMR Sports, and our wonderful franchises to thank. Women’s 7s rugby across the world is just as exciting as men’s 7s rugby. And our Indian women are superb! Come and witness the action in Hyderabad.”
List of Kenya 7s players called for HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2 in India
- Patrick Odongo – Delhi Redz (Retained)
- Kevin Wekesa – Hyderabad Heroes (Retained)
- Samwel Asati – Delhi Redz
- Nygel Amaitsa – Delhi Redz
- John Okoth – Delhi Redz
Women’s Category
- Grace Okulu – Mumbai Dreamers
- Sheila Chajira – Chennai Bulls