Rugby Premier League: Sheila Chajira's try not enough as Chennai Bulls fall short in historic final
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 24.06.26. | 10:36
The inaugural women's competition featured 48 players, including 24 international stars from 10 countries, competing for a total prize purse of approximately Ksh6 million
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira scored in the final, but her efforts were not enough to help Chennai Bulls clinch the inaugural Women's Rugby Premier League (RPL) title after they fell 22-10 to Delhi Redz at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli, India, on Tuesday, 23 June.
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The inaugural women's competition featured 48 players, including 24 international stars from 10 countries, competing for a total prize purse of approximately Ksh6 million. The champions took home about Ksh3.75 million, while the runners-up received approximately Ksh2.25 million.
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Chajira started the final on the bench as Chennai Bulls looked to cap off an impressive campaign with silverware. However, Delhi Redz made a fast start, controlling possession and territory from the opening whistle.
Their early pressure paid off when Lavena Cavuru crossed over on the left wing for the first try of the match, giving Delhi a 5-0 lead. Chennai Bulls attempted to respond with their trademark physical approach, but Delhi's disciplined defence kept them at bay throughout the opening quarter.
Chajira was introduced in the second quarter and immediately made an impact with her powerful carries and aggressive defensive work. Her presence helped Chennai gain momentum, and the Bulls eventually broke through when Muskan Piploda touched down to the delight of the home crowd. The conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving the scores level.
Delhi Redz, however, responded almost immediately. Eden Kilgour crossed over to restore their advantage and ensure the Redz headed into halftime with the upper hand.
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The Bulls dominated possession for large parts of the third quarter and looked capable of mounting a comeback, but they struggled to convert pressure into points as Delhi's defence stood firm.
The decisive blow came in the final quarter. Silika Qalo extended Delhi's lead with a try on the right wing before Isadora Lopes added another score to put the result beyond doubt.
Chajira eventually crossed over for Chennai Bulls, but her try proved only a consolation as Delhi comfortably closed out a 22-10 victory to become the first-ever Women's Rugby Premier League champions.
Despite the defeat, Chajira can take pride in a strong tournament that saw her play a key role in helping Chennai Bulls reach the historic final.
Meanwhile, fellow Kenyans Patrick Odongo, John Okoth, Samuel Asati, and Nygel Amaitsa endured another frustrating outing in the men's competition as their Delhi Redz side remained rooted at the bottom of the standings.
Delhi's struggles continued with a 26-17 loss to Kevin Wekesa's Hyderabad Heroes, a result that propelled the Heroes to the top of the table with 20 points while extending Redz's poor run in the tournament. Odongo's side has managed just one win so far and faces an uphill task to revive their campaign.