Rugby’s Moment Has Arrived

For decades, Hyderabad’s sporting identity has been defined by cricket. Over the years, the city has also carved out a reputation as India’s badminton capital and a breeding ground for world-class shooters. Now, another sport is quietly making its presence felt.

Rugby, long considered a niche sport in India, is finding unexpected momentum in Hyderabad. The evidence isn’t just on the field but also in the stands, where families, students and first-time spectators are turning up in increasing numbers. The recently concluded HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL), powered by AVID, has further amplified that interest, offering Hyderabad a glimpse of what the future of the sport could look like.

International players and Indian stars alike believe the city has all the ingredients needed to become one of India’s rugby strongholds. “The potential for rugby is immense,” says Hyderabad Heroes captain Manuel Moreno. “You can see it in the fan engagement and the number of people coming to the stadium every single day. What has impressed me most is that it isn’t just boys watching the matches. There have been so many young girls in the stands too.”

A city built for sport

Hyderabad has repeatedly shown that it can nurture sporting excellence when the right ecosystem exists. From Olympic medallists in badminton to international shooters, the city has demonstrated that talent flourishes when infrastructure, coaching and governance come together.

Moreno believes rugby could follow a similar trajectory. “Any city given the right resources has the potential to become a sporting hub. Hyderabad already has the infrastructure and the interest. Now it’s about the right governance meeting the right talent.”

Uruguayan international Diego Ardao agrees. With a population of over six million, he sees Hyderabad as fertile ground for building a rugby culture. “The Rugby Premier League is a fantastic beginning,” he says. “But if you really want long-term success, the sport has to reach children.

Introduce rugby in schools and colleges. Let boys and girls experience the game early. They can then decide whether they want to pursue it. That’s how sustainable sporting cultures are created.”

His message reflects a growing consensus within global sport: professional leagues create excitement, but grassroots participation creates lasting success.

The crowd is changing

For years, empty stands were often associated with Indian rugby. That perception appears to be changing. Players have been surprised by the atmosphere in Hyderabad, with several matches attracting enthusiastic crowds and creating an environment rarely associated with the sport in India. “The support has been unreal,” says Ardao. “Some matches have been completely packed. That’s good for the players, good for rugby in India and good for Hyderabad. I hope it continues to grow.”

Moreno was equally struck by the number of schoolchildren attending the matches. “The most surprising thing has been seeing so many young girls and boys come to the stadium. Some of these students could one day represent India.”

For Indian player Rajan Rawat, the crowds represent something even more significant. “We know cricket fills stadiums. But to see a glimpse of that for rugby has been special,” he says.

Beyond cricket

The popularity of alternative sports has steadily grown across Hyderabad. Running clubs, cycling communities, pickleball, padel, mixed martial arts and endurance sports have all found enthusiastic participants over the past few years. Rugby appears to be joining that movement.

Moreno says fan support for Hyderabad Heroes has noticeably increased compared to the inaugural season. “There is definitely growing interest in rugby. The love from Hyderabad Heroes fans has been much louder this year.”

Rawat believes the audience itself tells the story. “The fact that so many people are coming to watch rugby is proof that interest has gone beyond cricket.”

Ardao, however, believes rugby must continue working to attract sports lovers rather than compete directly with cricket. “Cricket will always remain hugely popular. The challenge is introducing rugby to people who have never experienced it before. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s definitely possible.”