It may come as news to many, myself included, that the Indian Rugby Premier League exists as a platform to grow the game through sevens rugby.
It sounds counterproductive that South African rugby players would go to India to further their careers, but that’s exactly the case for Blitzboks Zain Davids, Impi Visser, and Sebastian Jobb.
The Blitzboks were crowned World Champions over the weekend in France, as the World Sevens series season drew to a close.
Following their crowning moment, Davids revealed how the venture to India came to pass.
Davids Joins Bengaluru Bravehearts for Rugby Premier League: A Boost for Sevens Rugby in India
“After the trophy presentation last weekend, the Spanish coach Paco Hernandez asked me if I wanted to play for his team in the Rugby Premier League. I told him yes, I would love to,” Davids told SportsBoom.co.za.
“They have sent additional information to me, and I should receive my visa within four days. I will probably join the team this weekend and begin playing in the Rugby Premier League.”
The Blitzboks veteran Davids will represent the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the competition running from June 16 to 28.
While cricket is far and away the biggest sport in India, sevens rugby is a rapidly growing code, Davids explained.
The Rugby Premier League is good for sevens rugby in general because World Rugby can see how important the format is,” he said.
“Rugby is for everyone, women and men, sevens and 15s. Tournaments like these provide valuable exposure for players who may not get opportunities in the 15-man game and allow them to showcase their talent.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
