Kalinga Black Tigers hold unbeaten Chennai Bulls to a thrilling 26-26 draw in Rugby Premier League 2025

Kalinga Black Tigers held Chennai Bulls to a thrilling 26-26 draw in Match 8 of the inaugural GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) at the Shahaji Raje Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex) in Mumbai on Wednesday.

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Having won their first three games of the season, the Chennai Bulls came into this game with momentum behind them, but the Black Tigers were equal to the task and the result was crucial for the Kalinga outfit.

Backed by Hunch Ventures, the Kalinga Black Tigers represent Odisha on the RPL stage, a state with a deep connection to the sport. With a broader vision of showcasing regional identity and developing grassroots talent, the franchise reflects both pride and promise.

From the outset, a tight contest was on the cards, and the game itself - which clearly was the 'match of the season' thus far - did not disappoint.

It was the Kalinga Black Tigers who opened the scoring, thanks to their star player Perry Baker, a three-time Olympian and two-time Rugby 7s Player of the Year, who dashed through Chennai's defence to touch down for the first try with just under two minutes left in the first quarter. The ever-reliable Maurice Longbottom converted it, taking Kalinga to a 7-0 lead.