Chennai Bulls Dominate Delhi Redz 41-0 to Claim Inaugural Rugby Premier League 2025 Title
Mumbai, June 30 (Sports Desk)
In a historic triumph, the Chennai Bulls delivered a masterclass performance to defeat the Delhi Redz 41-0 in the Rugby Premier League (RPL) 2025 final at Mumbai Football Arena, becoming the first-ever champions of India’s premier franchise-based Rugby 7s league. The Bulls capped an unbeaten campaign with a clinical display, securing the title with the season’s largest victory margin.
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes clinched third place with a gritty 17-12 comeback win over the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the third-place playoff.
RPL 2025 Final: Chennai Bulls vs. Delhi Redz
- Date: June 29, 2025
- Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
- Result: Chennai Bulls won by 41-0
- Player of the Match: Terry Kennedy (Chennai Bulls)
Match Summary
The Chennai Bulls asserted dominance from the opening whistle, leaving no room for the Delhi Redz to counter. The Bulls’ relentless attack and watertight defense ensured a one-sided final, etching their name in RPL history.
- First Half:
- Vaafauese Maliko opened the scoring with a try, converted by Filipe Sauturaga, a Paris 2024 Olympics silver medallist with Fiji.
- Joseva Talacolo, another Fijian Olympian, added a second try.
- Terry Kennedy stole the show with two tries, supported by Gaurav Kumar’s conversions, giving Chennai a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime.
- Second Half:
- Shanawaz Ahmed scored with an assist from Kennedy, with Sauturaga converting.
- Mohammed Ashique sealed the rout with two late tries, ensuring a historic 41-0 shutout.
The Bulls’ clinical execution, driven by international stars like Kennedy, Sauturaga, and Talacolo, overwhelmed Delhi, who struggled to find rhythm against Chennai’s aggressive play.
watch…….ICC Hall of Fame Inducts Seven New Legends
Third-Place Playoff: Hyderabad Heroes vs. Bengaluru Bravehearts
- Result: Hyderabad Heroes won by 17-12
- Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Match Summary
The Hyderabad Heroes staged a comeback to secure third place against the Bengaluru Bravehearts in a tightly contested match.
- First Half:
- Bengaluru took an early lead with tries from Tone Shiu and Philip Wokorach, bolstered by a conversion from Akuila Rokolisoa.
- Hyderabad trailed at halftime, unable to break through Bengaluru’s defense initially.
- Second Half:
- Joji Nasova sparked Hyderabad’s revival with a try, converted by Manuel Moreno.
- Kevin Wekesa, a Paris 2024 Olympian from Kenya, and Bhupinder Singh added crucial tries to overturn the deficit, securing a 17-12 victory.
Bengaluru’s early momentum faded as Hyderabad’s resilience and strategic adjustments in the second half proved decisive.
watch……Vaibhav Suryavanshi: delivering an explosive debut performance in Youth ODI Series
Tournament Overview
- Event: Rugby Premier League (RPL) 2025
- Organizer: Rugby India, sanctioned by World Rugby
- Format: Six teams, 34 matches (30 in double round-robin league phase, two semi-finals, one third-place playoff, one final)
- Duration: 15 days, concluding on June 29, 2025
- Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
- Significance: RPL is India’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league, with a dedicated window in the international Rugby 7s calendar, featuring 30 marquee overseas players alongside Indian talent.
Key Highlights
- Chennai Bulls’ Dominance: The Bulls remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing consistency and firepower, with standout performances from Terry Kennedy, Vaafauese Maliko, and Mohammed Ashique.
- International Talent: The inclusion of Olympians like Fiji’s Sauturaga and Talacolo, and Kenya’s Wekesa, elevated the league’s competitive standard.
- Hyderabad’s Resilience: The Heroes’ comeback victory highlighted their depth and determination, with Nasova and Wekesa proving pivotal.
- Fan Engagement: Posts on X reflected excitement over Chennai’s commanding win and the emergence of rugby as a growing sport in India, with fans praising the high-energy final.
Significance
The RPL 2025 marked a historic milestone for Indian rugby, establishing a professional platform for both domestic and international players. The Chennai Bulls’ emphatic victory sets a high benchmark for future seasons, while the league’s success underscores Rugby India’s commitment to elevating the sport’s profile. With global stars and local talent, the RPL has laid a strong foundation for rugby’s growth in India.
