Seven Kenyans have been named in four franchises for the second edition of GMR Rugby Premier League, the world’s first franchise-based rugby 7s league to be played at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, India from June 16-28, 2026.

Flying winger Patrick Odongo and Kabras powerhouse Kevin Wekesa who played in the inaugural tournament have been retained by Delhi Redz and Hyderabad Heroes. They will be joined by Samuel Asati, John Okoth and Nygel Amaitsa who have been snapped by Delhi Redz in a familiar Kenya-look outfit..  

Innovative Tournament

The innovative tournament which was introduced last year reaches another milestone this year with the introduction of a women’s category that has four franchises namely Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Kolkata Banga Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers. Two Kenyan players and four South African players have been named in the four teams.

Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu have been named in the Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers teams. Chajira will play alongside Fiji’s Ana Naimasi, and South Africa’s Liske Lategan while Okulu who is currently based in France joins other international players from Brazil, Argentina, Great Britain, and Spain.

Missing Players

Players from New Zealand and Australia as well as current players from the USA have not been named in the women’s category.

Besides Kenya and South Africa, three players from Uganda have also been included. Philip Wokorach, Denis Etwau (Bengaluru Bravehearts), and Adrian Kasito (Kolkata Banga Tigers) have been included. While Wokorach has been retained from last season, Etwau and Kasito will be participating for the first time.

Players from 17 countries and Great Britain will be in Hyderabad, India for the GMR Rugby Premier League which kicks off after the completion of the regular World Rugby SEvens World Series championship matches in France at the end of May, 2026.

International players

Men

Bengaluru Bravehearts: Akuila Rokolisoa, Philip Wokorach, Henry Hutchison, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Shilton van Wyk, Ryan Apps, Denis Etwau, Motu Opetai, Michael Coverdale.

Chennai Bulls: Joseva Talacolo, Filipe Sauturaga, Santiago Alvarez, Sunni Jardine, Tobias Sanz-Trapaga, Ethan Turner, Taualai Panoa, Tusitafu Toilolo.

Delhi Redz: Patrick Odongo, Luciano Gonzalez, Pol Pla, Hosep Serres, Nygel Amaitsa, Elias Hancock, Samuel Asati, John Okoth, Lennox Wiese.

Hyderabad Heroes: Manu Moreno, Kevin Wekesa, Maurice Longbottom, Regan Ware, Francisco Cosculluela, Diego Ardao, Dante Sotonida, Ravuama Seruvakula, Wolfram Hacker.

Kolkata Banga Tigers: Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Thibaud Mazzoleni, Brady Rush, Ricardo Duartee, Lucas Lacamp, Aaron Cummings, Adrian Kasito, Niue Owen, Shotaro Tsuoka.

Mumbai Dreamers: Ben Laisel, James Turner, Santino Zangara, Lucas Mignot, Tristan Leyds, Guilaume Bouche, Nabo Sakoyi, Liam Poulton, Demetri Patterson.

Women

Chennai Bulls: Ana Naimasi, Chantelle Miell, Carmen Izyk, Lara Wright, Liske Lategan, Sheila Chajia.

Delhi Redz: Carmilla Carvalho, Isadora Lopes, Reapi Ulunisau, Silika Qalo, Eden Kilgour, Zintle Mpupha.

Kolkata Banga Tigers: Nia Toliver, Shiniqwa Lampretch, Vianca Boer, Ronja Hinterding, Sarah Gossman, Sofia Gonzalez.

Mumbai Dreamers: Yasmin Soares, Abbie Brown, Grace Okulu, Marienela Escalante, Carmen Mirrales, Abril Ruiz.

Kenyan players: Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, John Okoth, Sheila Chajira, Grace Okulu.

Uganda players: Philip Wokorach, Denis Etwaua, Adrian Kasito.South African players: Shilton van Wyk, Ricardo Duartee, Tristan Leyds, Nabo Sakoyi, Liske Lategan, Zintle Mpupha, Shiniqwa Lampretch, Vianca Boer.