‘The chance to inspire people’: Aaron Cummings on India's new RPL

The inaugural season of India’s Rugby Premier League may have wrapped up, but for American sevens player Aaron Cummings, the impact of the competition is still sinking in and it’s clear that this experience was about much more than just the matches played.

From the first minute the idea of helping pioneer something new in an unexpected part of the rugby world hit a deep chord with him.

The sense of being part of something new and refreshing – something that could redefine the future of the game in India, added a unique energy and purpose to every training session and every game.

Marnus vd Merwe reflects on his Bok debut and scoring two tries

Marnus vd Merwe reflects on his Bok debut and scoring two tries

“What made me want to get involved with the RPL was the opportunity to play more rugby, plain and simple,” Cummings said.

“But also to be part of something from the ground up. The timing, the location and the chance to inspire people in a new rugby space, it all lined up. Deal done.”

A format with global potential

The Rugby Premier League introduced a unique twist on the traditional sevens setup –  a four-quarter structure that more closely resembles American football in flow and timing.

For Cummings, it’s not just a gimmick, he thinks it’s something that could catch on.

“It lets you go harder in short bursts and keeps the energy up.

“It’s easier for new fans to follow and adds a fresh tactical layer to the game.”

He believes this fast-paced, structured style of play has the potential to break down barriers for unfamiliar audiences making the sport more accessible and engaging to viewers around the world who may not have connected with traditional rugby formats.

“I think the RPL could be a hit in America. It’s similar to football using the four-quarter system. I think it is more appealing to the American eye.

“The format is very interesting, and I believe it could be revolutionary.”

It’s a faster-paced, explosive and much easier to digest format for new fans to get absorbed.

It wasn’t just the rulebook that caught his eye, it was the broader vision behind it. They’re not trying to copy the circuit. They’re creating their own vibe – that’s what sets this apart.

Locals need the ball not just the bench

While the RPL brought in a number of experienced international players it was never designed to be a showpiece for outsiders.

The presence of foreign talent was part of the plan – not to dominate, but to elevate. From day one, the emphasis was on development, on giving local Indian players the tools, experience and exposure needed to raise their game and become key contributors to their teams.

He saw firsthand how quickly local players could develop when given meaningful minutes, not just in training, but in high-pressure game situations.

The more they played, the more confident and capable they became. For Cummings and many of the internationals involved, that was the most rewarding part of the RPL – watching players grow in real time.

“It is very important to mix international players and locals in order to grow the game. Not just training and we play all the minutes and they get none.

“You can learn a lot through training, but you learn more in the games. So having them play a big bulk of minutes in games everyday, you ascend quicker. So it’s huge to mix the two.”

A different culture for the sport

You’d think playing in a completely new market like India would require a different approach – new strategies, altered preparation, or even a rethink of team dynamics.

But for Cummings, it was largely business as usual, with a few added recovery sessions to adjust to the heat and travel demands. The basics of preparation didn’t change for him.

“Honestly, I prepare the same way I always do. Just took a couple more ice baths than usual.

“ Working with different players and coaches from all over the world has been my favourite part. Just seeing the game through different lenses.

“Then somehow meshing all the cultures into one team. It’s tough, but it’s been very rewarding.”

Can India become a sevens hub?

For Cummings there’s no doubt the RPL has the ingredients to build something long-term – not just in India, but beyond.

The league’s bold format, investment in local talent and commitment to innovation give it a foundation that few emerging competitions can match.

“I think the RPL has a chance not only to get more Indians into rugby, but the world of sevens. Four minute quarters are game changing. The intensity in play stays high.

“The hits, runs and tackles are explosive the entire game due to it being only four-quarters.”

While rugby in India may still be in its infancy, Cummings sees the passion and potential to turn it into something far more significant.

Final thoughts

Aaron Cummings urges others to get involved and would recommend the experience on the sevens circuit, highlighting the aspects he found particularly valuable and memorable.

“I would encourage other players to come here and play. It’s good to experience India and to come and play the game we all love.”

Reflecting on the whirlwind few weeks in India Aaron Cummings states this wasn’t just another rugby gig – it was the start of something different.

It was a chance to contribute to a movement to help shape the early narrative of rugby in a country where the sport is still finding its voice.

From the unfamiliar pitches to the electric energy of the local crowd  every moment felt like being on the edge of something transformative.

For Cummings, it wasn’t just about playing rugby, it was about planting seeds for a future game one that could look and feel unlike anything before.

“The format of RPL is what sets it apart from the circuit. More money, more games, better hotels, etc. It’s all much better.”