Indian rugby is poised for a significant leap forward with HSBC India stepping in as a “powered by partner” for the ongoing Rugby Premier League (RPL).
This pivotal collaboration signals a growing interest from leading financial institutions in fostering the sport’s growth from grassroots to professional levels across India.
The Rugby Premier League, a flagship initiative by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and GMR Sports, is designed to elevate rugby’s profile, cultivate local talent, and forge a robust pathway for Indian players onto the global stage.
The inclusion of a prominent entity like HSBC India is set to inject crucial financial backing and strategic support, propelling the league’s ambitious goals.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said, “At HSBC, we believe, in the transformative power of sport to inspire, unite, and create opportunities. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering talent and expanding the reach of rugby, both on and off the pitch. Together we aim to elevate the sport to new heights, nurturing young talent, and bring the excitement of rugby to a broader audience in India and beyond. We believe in the spirit of partnership and use our expertise and international scale to help sports grow and reach larger audiences. We are committed to providing opportunities for young people through grassroots initiatives.”
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, and League Commissioner, GMR RPL, added, “The launch of the GMR Rugby Premier League is a significant milestone for Indian rugby. Having HSBC partner with us in this journey is a testament to the credibility and promise that the sport holds in the country. HSBC’s global experience in promoting Rugby Sevens will be invaluable as we aim to take the sport to newer heights, nurture homegrown talent, and create an exciting platform for rugby fans in India.”
HSBC boasts a well-established global legacy in rugby sponsorship, most notably as the title sponsor of the HSBC SVNS (formerly the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series) and currently as the retail bank of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. This deep understanding of the sport and a commitment to its worldwide development suggests a powerful synergy with the RPL’s vision for India.
This “powered by” partnership with HSBC India further enriches the RPL’s existing multi-faceted sponsorship ecosystem, which includes esteemed partners like Capgemini, Hero FinCorp, GMR Group, JSW Cement, and Amul. Such comprehensive collaboration could pave the way for innovative initiatives, including financial literacy programs for athletes and impactful community outreach, significantly bolstering the league’s operational capabilities.
Both the Rugby Premier League and its partners are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant rugby culture throughout India, from nurturing young talent at the grassroots level to showcasing elite professional play. The involvement of HSBC India stands as a testament to the league’s growing appeal and its immense potential to engage a wider audience across the nation.
