June 25, 2025: Bhupinder Singh, who was drafted into the Rugby Premier League (RPL) as a replacement for the injured Sumit Roy, has made a resounding impact. Playing for Hyderabad Heroes, Singh scored his first try in the tournament during their 17-0 triumph over Chennai Bulls, helping his team secure a spot in the playoffs with their seventh win in eight matches.
Thrilled with his debut score, Bhupinder expressed, “World champions are playing against me, and I’m happy to beat them. I’ll continue to give my 100%, whether for Hyderabad or India.”
Originally from an athletics background, Bhupinder entered the Army through the sports quota and only discovered rugby in 2021, thanks to his pace and agility. Since then, he has represented the Indian Army team, played in Qatar’s Division 2, and Sri Lanka’s First Division.
Despite being overlooked in the initial Indian player draft, Bhupinder didn’t lose hope. “I was in the extras, but I stayed ready. I practiced day and night, believing my chance would come—and I’d prove myself.”
Recalling his early days with Hyderabad Heroes, he said, “At first, it felt strange to play among world-class players. But through training and warm-ups, I began to understand their game and started to learn from them.”
Now 24, Bhupinder believes the RPL is transforming Indian rugby. “This league is a game-changer. We’re learning from Olympic-level players—their speed, technique, and strategy. Indian players are improving rapidly thanks to this exposure.”
As the world’s first franchise-based rugby league, the RPL has brought international talent to India, giving emerging players like Bhupinder Singh the stage they deserve.