With a roster of 26 players from 11 nations, including Olympians, World Champions, National Champions, and some of the world’s most accomplished rugby talent, the Kolkata Banga Tigers, Kolkata’s first-ever Rugby Premier League team, are scheduled to make their eagerly awaited debut this season.

With Kolkata making its debut in the Rugby Premier League, the team represents a significant milestone for rugby in Eastern India. The team, which is built on a combination of elite athletic talent and international experience, reflects the team’s goal to become a dominant force in the competition and support the expansion of rugby in the area.

The introduction of the Kolkata Banga Tigers Women, which makes the team one of just four teams in India to field a women’s squad in the Rugby Premier League this year, adds to the season’s significance.

Sanaya Mehta Vyas, Vice President of Rugby India, attended the press conference and said she was thrilled to see Kolkata represented in the Rugby Premier League for the first time.

Present at the launch, Shruti, a spokesperson for the Kolkata Banga Tigers, said, “Hunch Ventures has been involved in Indian rugby for several years, and our involvement with the Kolkata Banga Tigers in the Rugby Premier League is a logical continuation of that dedication. Kolkata is a suitable location for the team, given its special place in rugby history”.

The head coach of the Kolkata Banga Tigers men’s team, Osea Kolinisau, said, “We have put together a group of gifted athletes with a wealth of international experience. Our goal is to assemble a team that plays with pride, discipline, and intensity. We are thrilled to play for Kolkata in the team’s first season”.

The head coach of the Kolkata Banga Tigers women’s team, Paul Delport, said, “The introduction of the women’s team is a significant development for Indian rugby. We hope that this team encourages more young girls to pursue the sport because we have a strong group of athletes who are keen to compete at the highest level”.

As they get ready for their first Rugby Premier League season, the Kolkata Banga Tigers will take Kolkata’s aspirations to one of the biggest stages in the sport with a team that includes top international talent, seasoned leaders, and rising stars from all over the world.

The HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports 1 Select from June 16–30 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.

Priyanka Dutta