What is the difference between Rugby 15s versus Rugby 7s?

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Rugby 15s Versus Rugby 7s: Rugby Formats Explained

09 July 2025

Until recently, Rugby in India remained on the fringes of mainstream sports conversations. But over the past year, this high-impact game has quietly built a new fan base - from college athletes to streaming viewers. The turning point? A growing awareness of the different Rugby Union types, the launch of India’s own professional league, and rising institutional support from leading conglomerates like GMR Sports.

If you have ever been intrigued by the sport but confused about its rules, this is your quick, clear guide. And if you’re wondering why GMR Group is betting big on Rugby, read on because the story is just getting started.

Rugby 15s vs 7s: What You Need to Know

The most common question for new fans is: What is the difference between Rugby 15s and 7s? Here is a simplified breakdown of the Rugby Union types and how they play out on the field:

Sevens vs Fifteens Rules – A Quick Comparison

Feature	Rugby 15s	Rugby 7s
Players per team	15	7
Match duration	80 minutes	14 minutes
Playing style	Strategic, physical, slower-paced	Fast, high-scoring, explosive
Scrum size	8 players	3 players
Conversion method	Place kick	Drop kick within 30 seconds
Specialization	Defined player roles	All-round athleticism

Rugby formats explained simply: the 15s game is like a chess match of brute strength and tactics, while 7s Rugby is a sprint - quick, thrilling, and perfect for modern viewers.

The GMR Group and the Rugby Revolution

In a landmark move, GMR Group, through its sports vertical GMR Sports, is fuelling the sport’s rise in India by launching the Rugby Premier League (RPL) - the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament.

Co-created with Rugby India, the RPL is more than a tournament. It is a ten-year vision to build a sustainable, televised Rugby ecosystem for Indian players, fans, and future athletes.

What Makes the RPL a Game-Changer?

6 City-Based Franchises: Mumbai Dreamers, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Hyderabad Heroes, Delhi Redz, and Kalinga Black Tigers
Talent Mix: Combines marquee internationals with Indian players—30 winners from a 71-strong auction pool, plus standout athletes from around the globe
Inaugural Season: Held in Mumbai from June 15 to 29, 2025, with 34 matches live on Star Sports and JioHotstar

Understanding the difference in Rugby formats is just step one. The real impact lies in how GMR Group is reimagining the game’s future - on Indian soil, with Indian talent.

Through grassroots efforts, global partnerships, and a vision backed by infrastructure, GMR Sports is turning a once-niche sport into the next big movement.

Final Whistle: A New Era for Rugby in India

As Rugby continues to evolve globally, India is stepping onto the field with confidence. With a growing fan base and strategic initiatives like the Rugby Premier League, the sport is gaining ground. Understanding the Rugby formats, from Rugby 15s vs 7s, the nuances of Rugby Union types, and the dynamic Sevens vs Fifteens rules, is the first step to appreciating the game fully.

At the heart of this transformation is GMR Sports, powering the infrastructure, talent development, and international exposure the sport needs. The future of Rugby in India looks promising and the action is just getting started.