Capgemini Partners with IRFU to Launch India's Inaugural Rugby Premier League

Mumbai, June 11, 2025 – In a landmark collaboration aimed at revolutionizing rugby in India, Capgemini has officially become the transformation partner for the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), a venture backed by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and GMR Sports. The RPL will adopt the Rugby 7s format, which emphasizes speed and skill and is anticipated to bolster the sport's profile amongst the nation's youth.

This partnership extends Capgemini's longstanding association with rugby, which spans over 30 years internationally. Capgemini previously engaged with the IRFU as an associate sponsor for both the Rugby 7s Men & Boys and Women & Girls teams. The new collaboration marks a significant enhancement of this relationship, reflecting Capgemini’s commitment to fostering rugby at both grassroots and elite levels in India.

According to Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini India, "Our association with rugby is deeply rooted in our driving principles – team spirit, bold thinking, leadership, innovation, and enjoyment. Our partnership with IRFU and GMR Sports aims to make rugby in India more inclusive and accessible, supporting player development from grassroots to the professional level."

The RPL is poised to become a pivotal event in Indian sports, with an expected increase in participation and viewership as rugby continues to grow in popularity. Rahul Bose, President of IRFU, stated, "We are proud to mark this historic step for Indian rugby with a partner that shares our long-term vision. Capgemini’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and performance will enable us to grow the game sustainably."

Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, emphasized the significance of this partnership by stating, "The GMR RPL represents a crucial milestone in our efforts to elevate the status of rugby in India. With Capgemini joining, the sport takes a major leap forward in how it can be positioned and experienced in India."

The inaugural season of the GMR RPL is scheduled to commence in June 2025, featuring top rugby talent from around the globe, alongside India’s own emerging players. The league will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and STAR SPORTS, while also being accessible via RugbyPass TV. This venture is not just a sporting event; it symbolizes a broader ambition to nurture talent and promote rugby as a mainstream sport in India.

Capgemini’s historical contributions to rugby include sponsorship of significant events such as the Rugby World Cup and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The company is also a Global Partner of the Women in Rugby initiative, reflecting its commitment to advancing inclusivity and leadership within the sport. With the RPL, Capgemini continues to shape the future of rugby, aiming to inspire the next generation of players and fans in India.