Manuel Moreno to captain Hyderabad Heroes once again with Sumit Kumar Roy named vice captain for Season 2 of the Rugby Premier League

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Heroes have announced Spanish rugby star Manuel Moreno as captain for the second season of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), with Indian rugby standout Sumit Kumar Roy continuing as vice-captain. The tournament is set to begin on June 16 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.

Owned by KLO Sports, the Hyderabad Heroes enjoyed a successful debut campaign in Season 1, securing a bronze medal, and are now aiming to go one step further in pursuit of the championship title.

Speaking at the team’s jersey launch event in Hyderabad, Moreno expressed his excitement about leading the side once again.

“Season 1 with the Hyderabad Heroes was an extremely fulfilling experience and a team that I take great pride in leading. We had a strong campaign last year but still have unfinished business in the Rugby Premier League. It is a privilege to captain this team again alongside Sumit Kumar Roy. We share the same goal of taking Hyderabad Heroes all the way this season,” Moreno said.

The Spanish international, regarded as one of the leading players in the Sevens circuit, also praised KLO Sports for its continued support and looked forward to working again with head coach DJ Forbes, the World Rugby Hall of Famer.

Vice-captain Sumit Kumar Roy, one of India’s most prominent rugby players and a former captain of the national team, said he was eager to build on last season’s success.

“Continuing with the Hyderabad Heroes is very special to me. The support from KLO Sports and the franchise has played a major role in my development as a player and leader. Having DJ Forbes as coach is an incredible learning opportunity, and I hope fans turn out in large numbers to support us in Hyderabad,” Roy said.

Roy’s growing stature in Indian rugby was reflected earlier this year when he emerged as one of the most sought-after Indian players during the Rugby Premier League auction.

KLO Sports co-owner Srinath Chitoori expressed confidence in the team’s prospects for the upcoming season and highlighted the league’s potential to expand rugby’s popularity across India.

“Season 1 was a fantastic experience, and we are excited for an even bigger Season 2, especially with the tournament being hosted in Hyderabad. We believe this team can inspire a new generation of rugby fans while competing at the highest level,” he said.

Head coach DJ Forbes welcomed the continuity in leadership, stating that Moreno’s experience and Roy’s development as a leader would be crucial to the team’s ambitions.

“Manuel set high standards as captain last season and brings valuable continuity to the squad. Sumit has emerged as a key figure in Indian rugby, and this leadership role will help him continue growing both on and off the field. Our objective is to improve on last season’s performance and make Hyderabad proud,” Forbes said.

The Hyderabad Heroes squad features a blend of international stars and leading Indian talent, including Kevin Wekesa, Regan Ware, Maurice Longbottom, Francisco Cosculluela, Wolfram Hacker, Ravuama Seruvakula, Diego Ardao, Taitaifono Senio Tavita, Sambit Pradhan, Shivam Shukla, Rajan Rawat and Muhammed Anes K.

The team will begin its Rugby Premier League Season 2 campaign against Bengaluru Bravehearts on June 16 at the Gachibowli Stadium.

Hyderabad Heroes Fixtures:

• June 16: vs Bengaluru Bravehearts
• June 17: vs Delhi Redz
• June 18: vs Chennai Bulls
• June 20: vs Kolkata Banga Tigers
• June 21: vs Mumbai Dreamers
• June 22: vs Bengaluru Bravehearts
• June 23: vs Delhi Redz
• June 24: vs Chennai Bulls
• June 25: vs Mumbai Dreamers
• June 26: vs Kolkata Banga Tigers

With a strong squad, experienced leadership, and home support behind them, Hyderabad Heroes will be aiming to transform last season’s bronze medal finish into a title-winning campaign in Rugby Premier League Season 2.

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