RPL 2025: Six Overseas Stars to Watch out in inaugural Rugby Premier League

The inaugural season of the Rugby Premier League draws closer to its much-awaited launch on June 15. With less than a week to go, the six franchises are finalising their preparations in hopes of making the perfect opening play. Some of the biggest names in global Rugby Sevens have touched down in Mumbai, eager to make a memorable impact on Indian soil.

This historic first edition of the RPL offers India's top rugby talent a golden opportunity to share the field and learn firsthand from some of the most decorated athletes in the game. As the world's first franchise-based Rugby Sevens league takes shape, here's a look at the marquee international stars who will light up Season 1.

Akuila Rokolisoa - Bengaluru Bravehearts

Fijian-born Akuila Rokolisoa, a central figure in the renowned All Blacks Sevens setup, is one of the most lethal attacking players in the sport. The 30-year-old playmaker was named New Zealand Sevens Player of the Year in 2023 and was also a finalist for the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award.

Since making his international debut in 2018, Rokolisoa has amassed an impressive résumé: a gold medal at the 2018 Rugby Sevens World Cup (San Francisco), a silver at the 2022 edition (Cape Town), and a bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Remarkably, in 2023, he joined an elite group by becoming only the sixth player ever to score over 400 points in a single Sevens season.

Terry Kennedy - Chennai Bulls

One of the most electrifying playmakers on the global Sevens circuit, Ireland's Terry Kennedy brings speed, footwork, and flair in abundance. The 28-year-old was named World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year in 2022 and recently featured at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A core member of Ireland's rugby renaissance, Kennedy was part of the squad that rose from Europe's C Division in 2015. His accolades include a bronze medal at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens and a gold at the 2023 European Games. A former U20 XVs World Cup finalist, Kennedy is expected to be a key creative force for the Chennai Bulls.

Rosko Specman - Kalinga Black Tigers

Veteran winger Rosko Specman arrives as one of the most experienced players in the GMR RPL. The 36-year-old South African is a dual Olympic bronze medallist (Rio 2016, Paris 2024) and also claimed bronze at the 2018 Sevens World Cup. More recently, he added a silver medal at the 2024 Africa Men's Sevens in Mauritius.

Known for his fearless running and innate try-scoring instincts, Specman has been a fixture in international Sevens since 2014. Hailing from Makhanda, South Africa, he is revered both for his achievements and for his charismatic presence on and off the pitch.

Manu Moreno - Hyderabad Heroes

Spanish forward Manu Moreno, just 26, has already made a significant mark on the European Sevens scene. A back-to-back European champion in 2021 and 2022, he is expected to play a pivotal role in Hyderabad Heroes' campaign.

Known for his explosive running and dynamic passing, Moreno has helped maintain Spain's competitiveness on the SVNS circuit. In 2023, he was named among the top 14 players at the World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Toulouse. Outside the game, he is pursuing a career in medicine, embodying both athletic and academic excellence.

Matteo Graziano - Delhi Redz

At just 23 years old, Argentinian hooker Matteo Graziano is one of the youngest stars to feature in the GMR RPL. A rising force in Argentina's Sevens resurgence, he was instrumental in their 2025 HSBC Perth 7s title defence-scoring a hat-trick in the final against hosts Australia.

Part of Argentina's Olympic squad in Paris 2024, Graziano hails from a strong rugby lineage and is known for his versatility and intelligence on the field. With Delhi Redz, he will be expected to bring youthful energy and sharp execution.

Jerry Tuwai - Mumbai Dreamers

Arguably the most accomplished player in Sevens history, Jerry Tuwai brings unmatched pedigree to the GMR RPL. The Fijian maestro is the only player to have won two Olympic gold medals in Rugby Sevens (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021), and added a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games to become Fiji's most decorated Olympian.

Tuwai has captained Fiji through landmark victories, including the 2022 Singapore Sevens, and was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019. Since his debut in 2014, he has been a constant source of magic and leadership, making him a massive asset for Mumbai Dreamers.