New Delhi, June 16: Manuel Moreno, captain of the Hyderabad Heroes, learned a significant lesson from what he describes as “a bad game” during the inaugural season of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). As the Spanish star prepares to lead his team in the league’s second season, he reflects on the challenges ahead.
The Rugby Premier League, the world’s first franchise-based rugby sevens league, is set to kick off again on June 16 after a successful season in 2025. This year, the league has expanded to include a women’s competition featuring four teams.
The Hyderabad Heroes were among the standout teams in the first season, remaining undefeated in the league stage and ultimately securing a bronze medal. The franchise has retained its core team, which performed exceptionally well last year. Before the auction, Moreno and Kenyan international player Kevin Wekesa were kept on the roster, along with key players like Sumit Roy Kumar, Sambit Pradhan, and Wolfram Hacker returning to the squad.
Recalling the team’s remarkable first season, Moreno noted that their only loss highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in rugby.
In an exclusive interview, Moreno stated, “The Hyderabad Heroes were nearly invincible throughout the season, but just one bad game—16 unfortunate minutes—led to a result that was far from our goal last season. This reinforces how outcomes can shift in rugby in mere moments. Being prepared during those critical times and adapting strategies is crucial. In our case, it helped us understand the difference between fighting for a gold medal and playing for bronze. As a team, we move forward and learn from it.”
Beyond rugby, Moreno juggles a demanding schedule that includes medical studies and modeling assignments. The Spanish athlete believes managing these diverse responsibilities has enriched his perspective on both life and sport.
He remarked, “I’ve learned the most important lesson: tackle things one at a time. Trying to do everything at once can lead to anxiety. This principle applies on the rugby field as well, where breaking down strategies or viewing problems separately can quickly turn the game around. The key is to approach tasks patiently and stay focused on your goals.”
Moreno captained the Hyderabad Heroes in Season 1 and is recognized as one of the league’s most successful players. He was named among the top 14 rugby sevens players at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Toulouse in 2023 and represented Spain at the European Games that same year. He was also selected for the 2024-25 Sevens Dream Team of the Year in May 2025.
However, Moreno believes there is always room for improvement in rugby. He stated, “Every day on the rugby field offers new learning experiences, and it’s essential to remain humble. As players, we constantly strive to improve in various aspects of the game. The introduction of new players keeps rugby evolving rapidly, so continuous learning and progression are vital.”
Bringing together players from different countries is one of the biggest challenges in franchise rugby. Moreno emphasizes the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness in creating a successful team environment.
He explained, “When playing with such a diverse group of players, it’s crucial to be open-minded and understand each player’s unique style. It’s not just about my approach or that of the Spanish players; most of the team comes from different backgrounds. As a leader, my priority is to understand how my playing style fits within the Spanish team and how I can help the international group perform at their best.”
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