Rugby Premier League: A Ground-breaking Rugby Sevens Venture with a Spotlight on Patrick Odongo
On June 1, 2025, the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will kick off in Mumbai, India, marking a historic milestone as the world’s first franchise-based rugby sevens league. Organized by Rugby India in partnership with GMR Sports, this 15-day tournament, running until June 15, will bring together global rugby stars and local talent in a high-energy spectacle at the Mumbai Football Arena. With World Rugby’s endorsement, major sponsorships, and a vision to expand rugby sevens, the RPL is set to redefine the sport—and for Kenya’s Patrick Odongo Okong’o, it’s a golden opportunity to shine on a global stage.
A Pioneering Franchise Model
The RPL introduces a franchise-based structure, inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and models like the NFL. Six city-based teams—Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers—will compete in a double round-robin format, culminating in semi-finals, a bronze medal match, and a final. Each team features 13 players: five marquee internationals, three bridge players, and five Indian athletes. While the league’s touring model, centred in Mumbai, resembles the U.S.’s Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), its global ambitions could inspire similar franchise initiatives in markets like the United States, where rugby sevens is surging post-Paris 2024 Olympics.
Patrick Odongo: Kenya’s Rising Star
At the heart of the RPL’s star-studded lineup is Patrick Odongo, the only Kenyan selected for the league and a standout for the Kenya Sevens (Shujaa) and the Daystar University Falcons. Odongo, a 22-year-old wing, has emerged as one of rugby sevens’ brightest talents, known for his explosive speed, physicality, and try-scoring instinct. In the 2024 HSBC SVNS Series, he finished among the top three try scorers, cementing his reputation as a game-changer. His performances helped Kenya get a 2nd place finish during the Singapore Sevens 2025. However Kenya Sevens will play in the newly formed SVNS Division 2, due to their 8th place finish in the season.
Odongo’s journey from Daystar University, where he balances academics with rugby, to the global stage is remarkable. His 6’2”, 200-pound frame, combined with blistering pace, makes him a nightmare for defenders. In the 2024 season, he scored 22 tries across the SVNS Series, trailing only Ireland’s Jordan Conroy and Argentina’s Marcos Moneta. His ability to break tackles and exploit gaps has drawn comparisons to rugby sevens legend Collins Injera, Kenya’s all-time leading try scorer.
The RPL offers Odongo a platform to showcase his skills alongside elite players like Perry Baker- who just came out of retirement for this league (USA), Scott Curry (New Zealand), and Fiji’s Olympic silver medalists Joseva Talacolo and Iowane Teba. As one of 30 marquee internationals, he’ll compete in coaches like former Kenya Sevens coach Mike Friday or Ben Gollings, whose expertise could refine his game. The league’s high-profile broadcast on Star Sports and JioHotstar will expose him to millions, potentially attracting scouts for professional fifteens clubs in Europe or Japan, where sevens players like Fiji’s Semi Radradra have transitioned successfully.
Odongo’s Potential and the RPL’s Impact
The RPL is a career-defining moment for Odongo. At 22, he’s entering his prime, with the LA 2028 Olympics on the horizon. His participation in the RPL could elevate his global profile, positioning him as a leader for Kenya’s Olympic campaign and a potential World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year candidate. The league’s competitive environment—facing players like Argentina’s Olympic bronze medalists Santiago Mare and Mattias Osadczuk—will sharpen his skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Financially, the RPL is well positioned. While exact salaries are undisclosed, marquee players like Odongo likely command significant fees through the auction-based selection process. Combined with potential endorsements and World Rugby’s transparent payment regulations, the league offers financial stability, allowing him to focus on rugby without the economic pressures many African players face. His involvement also inspires Kenya’s next generation, showing that rugby sevens can be a viable career path.
Beyond personal growth, Odongo’s presence in the RPL highlights Africa’s rising influence in rugby sevens. Kenya, alongside South Africa and Uganda, is producing world-class talent, and Odongo’s success could spur investment in East African rugby programs. His university background at Daystar University also underscores the importance of education, setting a model for young athletes balancing sport and academics.
The Daystar University administration, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, the Daystar Falcons Rugby team are supportive of this move, even though he’ll miss some of the games.
Teams, Format, and Prize Money
The RPL’s six franchises will play 30 pool matches, with each team competing in 10 games over 15 days. Matches, lasting 22 minutes, are designed for fast-paced entertainment. The top teams advance to semi-finals and a final, totalling 34 matches. While the cash prize pool’s specifics are undisclosed, the league’s centralized commercial model, backed by GMR Sports, suggests substantial rewards for players and franchises, mirroring the IPL’s revenue-sharing approach.
Sponsorship and TV Rights
The RPL has secured major commercial partners, enhancing its visibility. Star Sports and Disney’s JioHotstar will broadcast and stream matches, reaching India’s 1.4 billion population and global audiences. Internationally, World Rugby’s RugbyPass TV will stream the manes for free on their website and app. GMR Sports’ 10-year commitment ensures long-term stability. These partnerships amplify Odongo’s exposure, as fans worldwide can follow his performances live or through highlights.
World Rugby’s Endorsement
World Rugby’s 15-day window for the RPL ensures no conflicting tournaments, allowing stars like Odongo to participate. World Rugby also made sure there won’t be any othe major rugby sevens competition during this time. This endorsement aligns with the governing body’s goal of growing rugby sevens in emerging markets like India, where the sport trails cricket.
Expanding Rugby Sevens
The RPL aims to globalize rugby sevens, leveraging India’s market and the sport’s Olympic appeal. In the U.S., where PR7s and USA Rugby’s All-Star Tournament are gaining traction, the RPL’s success could spark interest in a similar franchise model, amplifying rugby sevens’ post-Paris 2024 momentum.
All eyes will be on Rugby Premier League in a few weeks time. Stay tuned.
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