28 June,2025 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
With 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, Delhi head coach Tomasi Cama would be expecting his side to step up to the plate when the stakes are raised
Following nearly two weeks of electrifying rugby sevens action, the Rugby Premier League (RPL) has reached its decisive phase, with the competition now narrowed down to four standout teams. Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, Bengaluru Bravehearts, and Delhi Redz have successfully navigated the group stages to secure their places in the playoffs.
The semifinal lineup promises thrilling contests. On Saturday, the playoffs will kick off with the Chennai Bulls squaring off against the Bengaluru Bravehearts in what should be a fiercely contested opening clash. Later in the day, the Hyderabad Heroes will lock horns with the Delhi Redz, setting the stage for another intense battle as both sides vie for a spot in the final. Let us take a look at the performances of all four teams from the league stage.
Hyderabad Heroes
With former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes at the helm as head coach, Hyderabad Heroes have been the most dominant team across the RPL this season. Manu Moreno's leadership has been admirable as he's led from the front, while the performance of Indian players like Javed Hussain and Sambit Pradhan have been made everyone sit up and take notice. With 9 nines, one loss and 34 points during the league stage, Hyderabad Heroes head into the playoffs as the favorites, especially after getting the better of their semi-final opponents Delhi Redz, against who they registered the double.
Chennai Bulls
Chennai Bulls were on a roll to start the season, laying down an early marker with their performances. The likes of Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo and Va'aufauese Apelu-Maliko have been exceptional in terms of their international players, while likes of Aryan Dixit, Muhammad Jasim EP, and Shahnawaz Ahmed have all made their presence felt from the Indian contingent. Head coach Ben Gollings has been meticulous in his approach so far this season, as his team secured 6 wins, a draw and 3 losses during their group stage.
Bengaluru Bravehearts
With 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses in their group stage, it's fair to say that the Bengaluru Bravehearts have had a rollercoaster season so far. Paco Hernandez has been calm and calculative in his approach as head coach, with his team already showing that they can go toe-to-toe with any side. In fact, Bengaluru Bravehearts are the only side in the tournament to have beaten Hyderabad Heroes so far. With the likes of Mohit Khatri, Akuila Rokolisoa, Scott Curry, Pol Pla and Philip Wokorach, they have enough experience in the side to rise to any challenge.
Delhi Redz
It has been an up and down campaign for Delhi Redz in the RPL, as they search for consistency going into the playoffs. With 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, head coach Tomasi Cama would be expecting his side to step up to the plate when the stakes are raised. Matias Osadczuk, Matteo Graziano, Patrick Odongo, Jordon Conroy have all contributed to a healthy team atmosphere, helping the likes of Rajdeep Saha, Deepak Punia, Sunil Chawan and other Indian players flourish.
Chennai Bulls vs Bengaluru Bravehearts
The two sides faced each other twice in the league stage, with Bengaluru Bravehearts registering a commanding 26-0 victory in their first encounter. Chennai Bulls fought back in the reverse fixture, winning 31-24.
Hyderabad Heroes vs Delhi Redz
Hyderabad Heroes got the better on both occasions when these two sides met in the league stage. The table-toppers secured a 40-19 win in the first match, while winning 31-7 in the reverse fixture.
Top 5 players to watch out for
Match schedule on June 28
