From Mohit Khatri To Deepak Punia: India's Best Rugby Players In RPL Season 1

Last Updated:June 14, 2025, 15:02 IST

The Rugby Premier League Season 1 will feature 34 matches, and 30 Indian players, across six franchises.

Rugby Premier League could be India's gateway to producing Olympic-level athletes. (Credits: Rugby Premier League)

The Rugby Premier League is set to revolutionise rugby in India. Featuring the world’s best players and coaches, the tournament provides an invaluable opportunity for India’s top rugby talent to interact with legends of the sport.

The eagerly anticipated Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League begins on 15 June and culminates in the final on 29 June, held at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex) in Mumbai. This season will comprise 34 matches and include 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71.

Here’s a look at some of the top Indian players participating in RPL:

Mohit Khatri – Bengaluru Bravehearts

The most expensive player at the RPL Season 1 Player Auction, Mohit Khatri is one of India’s finest rugby players and was appointed captain of the national team in 2024. From Kundli in Sonipat district, Haryana, he led the men’s team at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2024 in Nepal and helped Haryana’s rugby team win three gold medals at the National Games. Starting his rugby journey at 13, Mohit was also part of the Indian team that participated in the Olympic qualifiers in Japan in 2023. Introduced to the sport by his brother, Mohit’s story is one of determination, unwavering faith, passion, and now the added pressure of being the highest-priced Indian player in the Rugby Premier League.

Prince Khatri – Hyderabad Heroes

Among the most experienced Indian rugby players in the RPL, Prince Khatri debuted for the national team in 2012. He has been part of the Asia Rugby Sevens team since 2014, with eight appearances, and the Asia Rugby 15s Championship team since 2012, also with eight appearances. A former India captain, Prince has played internationally with teams such as the Delhi Hurricanes, South African Club All-Stars, Hong Kong Scottish Club, and Team India FCC. He recently participated in the Borneo 7s Malaysia with the Delhi Hurricanes in 2024. Prince has also been part of the Haryana team that won four consecutive gold medals at the National Games and is an eight-time Senior National Rugby Sevens Champion with Haryana.

Ganesh Majhi – Mumbai Dreamers

The captain of the India U20 rugby team in 2023, Ganesh Majhi comes from the Bonda tribe in Malkangiri, Odisha. His selection is a source of immense pride for his tribal community. The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, which has supported the sport for nearly two decades, views his selection for the RPL as a historic moment. After excelling in age-group teams, Ganesh has successfully transitioned to the senior team and will play for the Mumbai Dreamers in Season 1 of the RPL.

Asis Sabar – Kalinga Black Tigers

Another top player from Odisha, Asis Sabar, will represent his home franchise, the Kalinga Black Tigers. Born in 2004, Asis is associated with the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. A second-year Arts student from the Sabar tribe in Kalahandi, Asis was secured by the Kalinga Black Tigers during the player auction.

Deepak Punia – Delhi Redz

A key player in the Indian rugby sevens team, Deepak Punia from Haryana started playing rugby at the age of 15.

Throughout his development, he has played in countries such as Hong Kong, Thailand, and Qatar. When not playing rugby, Deepak works as a strength and conditioning coach to support his family. He suffered a long-term injury during a club tournament and was advised by his family to quit rugby, but he persevered and took one and a half years to recover and return to the sport.

Vallabh Patil – Chennai Bulls

Selected by the Chennai Bulls at the player auction, Vallabh Patil made his India debut at the Asia Rugby Men’s 15s Championship Division 1 in 2024. A rugby player with heart and determination, Vallabh hails from Maharashtra and is one of the most confident players representing India. He is also a certified athletics coach.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...

Read More

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