365telugu.com online news,Hyderabad, June 30th, 2025 : The Manuel Moreno-led Hyderabad Heroes secured third place in the inaugural season of the GMR Rugby Premier League today, overcoming a determined Bengaluru Bravehearts side with a 17-12 victory. Despite being plagued by injuries to key players like Javed Hussain, Terio Tamani, and Lautaro Bazan Velez in the semi-finals, the Heroes showcased remarkable resilience to claim the bronze.
Contributions from Manuel Moreno, Joji Nasova, Kevin Wekesa, and Bhupinder Singh were crucial in securing the win for the Hyderabad Heroes, who were considered pre-match favorites.
“It has been such an exciting season, I am very happy for this opportunity to represent the Hyderabad Heroes and to play alongside my team,” stated Manuel Moreno, Captain of the Hyderabad Heroes.
“Working with DJ Forbes has been such a great learning experience. Even though we did not get the result we wanted for the way we have played throughout the season, I thank all the boys in the team for constantly giving it their all on the field. I look forward to the next season and the Hyderabad Heroes will comeback stronger.”
Backed by KLO Sports, the Hyderabad Heroes finished the league as strongly as they began, marking a decisive win. They hold the unique distinction of being the only team to have defeated every other team at least once in the Rugby Premier League.
Their dominance is reflected in the end-of-season statistics, where they led in most tries (50), most conversions (32), most tackles (207), most points (314), and most assists (37) in the tournament.
Individual accolades also highlighted the team’s strong performance, with Terio Tamani recording the most conversions (18), Max Roddick making the most tackles (31), and Manuel Moreno contributing 30 tackles.
A standout performer throughout the tournament, Javed Hussain was deservedly named the Indian Player of the Season, proving to be fundamental to the Hyderabad Heroes’ success.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Rugby Premier League and to be able to showcase all that I have been working extremely hard for,” said Javed Hussain.
“I thank my coach, my team mates for the trust that they have shown in my abilities which has been instrumental in the way I have been able to perform.
It has been a season of great learning and we are all excited for the next season. Lastly, I thank my family and all the people who have stood behind me all this while and are able to see the results of their hard work as well.”