Rugby Premier League 2026: Kolkata Banga Tigers Launch Men’s and Women’s Teams

Kolkata: A new chapter in sports history is about to begin. The Kolkata Banga Tigers have officially announced their entry into the upcoming HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026. This marks the first time a franchise from Kolkata and Eastern India will compete in the prestigious HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026 bringing immense excitement to rugby fans across the region.

The HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026 tournament is scheduled to take place from June 16th to June 30th, 2026 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Fans can catch all the action live on JioHotstar and Star Sports 1 Select.

The Kolkata Banga Tigers are not just entering the HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026 to participate; they are entering to win. The franchise has assembled a powerhouse squad of 26 players hailing from 11 countries. The Kolkata Banga Tigers roster is a mix of global rugby elite featuring Olympians who have played at the highest international level, World Champions with proven track records of victory and National Champions and top-tier global talent.

This international exposure, combined with rising stars reflects the Kolkata Banga Tigers teams high ambition. The Kolkata Banga Tigers franchise aims to establish itself as a force in its very first season while boosting the popularity of rugby in Eastern India.

The franchise has also introduced the Kolkata Banga Tigers Women. With this move Kolkata becomes one of four franchises in the entire country to field a women’s squad in the Rugby Premier League this year. The Kolkata Banga Tigers Women team is a deal because it provides female athletes with the platform, visibility and professional opportunities they deserve.

The official launch event saw key sports personalities and franchise leaders sharing their vision for the Kolkata Banga Tigers team and the sport. Sanaya Mehta Vyas, the Vice President of Rugby India expressed emotional and professional pride in the citys new milestone. "Kolkata has always shared a relationship with rugby and it is wonderful to see the city represented on the Rugby Premier League stage " she said. "The launch of the Kolkata Banga Tigers marks a step for the growth of the sport in Eastern India. I am equally excited to see Kolkata field a womens team this season creating opportunities and visibility for female rugby players while inspiring the next generation of athletes."

Shruti, the Spokesperson for the Kolkata Banga Tigers highlighted the standing commitment of Hunch Ventures to Indian rugby. "Hunch Ventures has been associated with rugby in India for years and our participation in the Rugby Premier League with the Kolkata Banga Tigers is a natural extension of that commitment. Given Kolkatas place in rugbys history it is a fitting home for the Kolkata Banga Tigers franchise."

The management has brought in world-class coaching talent to guide both the Kolkata Banga Tigers mens and womens teams through their campaigns. The Kolkata Banga Tigers mens team will be led by Head Coach Osea Kolinisau, a figure in international rugby. Kolinisau is focused on creating a culture of excellence and hard work. "We have assembled a group of players with extensive international experience. Our focus is on building a team that plays with intensity, discipline and pride and we are excited to represent Kolkata in the franchises season " Kolinisau stated.

The Kolkata Banga Tigers womens team will be under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Delport, who's deeply passionate about grass-roots development and elite performance. "The launch of the Kolkata Banga Tigers womens team is a moment for rugby in India " Delport added. "We have a group of athletes who are eager to compete at the highest level and we hope this team inspires more young girls to take up the sport."

Rugby share a deep historic bond dating back over a century. By joining the Rugby Premier League the Kolkata Banga Tigers are bridging the gap, between that history and a modern professional future. With a star-studded lineup, champion coaches and a groundbreaking womens team the Kolkata Banga Tigers are fully prepared to carry the dreams of Kolkata onto the grandest stage of Indian rugby. Local fans now have a home team to cheer for. The sports world will be watching closely when the Kolkata Banga Tigers take the field this June.