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Hyderabad Heroes capped a remarkable campaign by lifting the HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2 title on Sunday, overpowering Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 in a dominant final at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Earlier in the week, Delhi Redz scripted history by becoming the inaugural champions of the women’s competition, adding another landmark chapter to Indian rugby.
Hyderabad: In front of a packed home crowd, the Heroes delivered their most complete performance of the season when it mattered most.
Mumbai Dreamers enjoyed long spells of possession early in the contest but were repeatedly denied by Hyderabad’s aggressive defence. Every missed opportunity proved costly as the hosts gradually seized control and never looked back.
The breakthrough arrived after Francisco Cosculluela forced a turnover deep inside Mumbai territory, creating the platform for Taitaifono Tavita to open the scoring.
Hyderabad’s intensity continued to overwhelm their opponents. Manuel Moreno and Shivam Shukla combined brilliantly to extend the advantage, while Maurice Longbottom’s drop goal ensured the Heroes entered the interval firmly in command. Quick transitions, clinical finishing and relentless defence became the hallmark of Hyderabad’s display.
Mumbai attempted to stage a comeback in the second half, but Hyderabad repeatedly punished errors in possession. The hosts ran in further scores to pull away decisively, eventually sealing a comprehensive 41-17 victory and sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
The triumph completed a stunning turnaround for Hyderabad, who had begun the season with defeat but steadily grew stronger as the tournament progressed before peaking in the knockout rounds.
Delhi Redz Make History
While Hyderabad celebrated men’s glory, Delhi Redz etched their names into the history books by winning the inaugural women’s Rugby Premier League title 22-10.
Delhi produced a composed and clinical performance in the final against Chennai Bulls, controlling key moments of the contest before closing out victory comfortably. Silika Qalo and Isadora Lopes crossed in the closing stages to put the result beyond doubt as the Redz sealed the first-ever women’s championship.
The introduction of the women’s competition was one of the defining features of Season 2, marking a significant step forward for rugby in India and providing a platform for leading international and Indian players to compete together.
With Hyderabad Heroes crowned men’s champions and Delhi Redz lifting the inaugural women’s trophy, Season 2 of the Rugby Premier League ended with Indian rugby celebrating a landmark moment in its continued growth.
Men’s Final: Hyderabad Heroes 41-17 Mumbai Dreamers
Women’s Final: Delhi Redz beat Chennai Bulls 22-10