Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Black Tigers (KBT) one of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) founding teams, unveiled its jersey and mascot ‘Paika’ here at Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.
The RPL world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league is set to begin on June 15 at the Brihanmumbai Kreeda Ani Lalitkala Prarthisthan Andheri Sports Complex (Mumbai Football Arena, MFA). Where in six franchises teams are Kalinga Black Tigers, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes and the Mumbai Dreamers will fight for the top honours.
KBT backed by Hunch Ventures, an investment firm deeply rooted in Odisha, embodies a broader vision for the state’s development and recognition on the national stage.
The team composition will be13 players including five overseas players in a team and the 7-a-side match will be 16 minutes to be played in four quarters.
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said, “This is a league that’s been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right. Thanks to World Rugby, who gave us a 15-day window in which no international rugby 7s would be played anywhere in the world. We are in the process of introducing Women Rugby Premier League in the future”.
Talking about Odisha's contribution towards Indian Rugby, Rahul added “the State played a vital role for the development of various sports in our country. The rugby teams of the State always made podium finishes in the national tournament. It gives the RPL Governing council great happiness that the league has a team from the State of Odisha”.
Kalinga Black Tigers head coach Mike Friday eyeing for the podium finish in this first edition of RPL. He expressed “We will get two weeks of training season with the overseas players. It will provide ample opportunities for the Indian players to grow and learn the international retheme of rugby sports.
The Deputy Chief Minister K V Singhdeo graced the occasion as the chief guest. Among others Rugby India President Rahul Bose, Odisha Rugby Football Association president Priyadarshi Mishra, Secretary Upendra Kumar Mohanty, Founder of Hunch Ventures and Co-owner of the Kalinga Black Tigers Karanpal Singh, Head Coach Mike Friday, Assistant Coach Rajeev Nath and players of the KBT were present.
