Shujaa speedy winger Patrick Odongo (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the Rugby Premier League (RPL) kick off in India. [Rugby Premier League, X]
Kenya Sevens rugby stars Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa made a bright start to their campaigns as the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) kicked off on Sunday at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai, India.
Odongo, who plays for Daystar Falcons in Kenya, was in fine form for Delhi Redz, scoring two tries in a thrilling 21-21 draw against Bengaluru Bravehearts.
The 21-year-old opened his account early, touching down in the fourth minute of the first quarter. Argentina’s Matias Osadczuk added the conversion, cancelling out an earlier converted try from Bengaluru’s Akuila Rokolisoa.
The Bravehearts regained their lead through Rokolisoa’s second converted try, but Osadczuk once again responded with a try for Delhi, keeping the scores level.
In the third quarter, Odongo crossed the line for his second try of the match, which was converted to give Delhi the lead. However, Bengaluru fought back with a late try from Philip Wokorach, bringing the game to a draw.
In another match, Kevin Wekesa, who plays for Kabras Sugar in the Kenya Cup, also got on the scoresheet for Hyderabad Heroes.
Wekesa scored the final try to seal a 24-14 win over Kalinga Black Tigers. His teammates Joji Nasova, Manuel Moreno, and Javed Hussein also contributed tries, while Kalinga’s points came from Maurice Longbottom and Harry McNulty.
Elsewhere, Chennai Bulls began their campaign strongly with a 24-5 victory over Mumbai Dreamers. Ireland’s Terry Kennedy stood out by scoring two tries.
The RPL, India’s first professional rugby sevens league, features a fast-paced format, with matches lasting only 22 minutes divided into four-minute quarters. The tournament will see each team play 10 pool matches in a double round-robin format before advancing to the playoffs.
With top foreign players and coaches like former USA coach Mike Friday and ex-Fiji head coach Ben Gollings involved, the RPL promises to boost rugby’s popularity in India and provide a platform for both local and international stars.