How Chocolates Had a Hand in Rajdeep Becoming a Rugger

FOR a 10-year-old Rajdeep Saha, an appreciation in the form of chocolate at the end of every rugby game at an NGO ground in Kolkata was motivating enough to get better at the game with each passing day.

- CHANDRA PRABHU @ Chennai

Given the hard yards he had put in, he earned a call-up to the Indian national rugby team when he was only 18.

Five years on, Saha is already part of the growing lore of rugby in the country, by being part of the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL). He represented Delhi Redz in the tournament. Despite their underwhelming start in the league, Delhi pulled off an incredible upset against table-toppers Hyderabad Heroes in the semifinal to enter the summit clash, which they lost 0-41 against Chennai Bulls.

Irrespective of the loss, Saha and his team can still go home with their heads held high. Playing from the back, Saha has one try (5 points) to his name, and has done well, with limited opportunities he got throughout the tournament.