Chennai Bulls top the Rugby Premier League points table and they have already qualified for the second round. Sandhyarani Tudu has been one of the top performers for them in the league. Sandhayarani, who comes from Odisha, began her rugby journey in 2017. She was introduced to the sport through her school and gradually developed a deep passion for it. Rugby has played a significant role in shaping her personality, teaching her discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Her journey in rugby has not been without challenges. In the early days, she did not have access to proper grounds or training facilities. However, with the unwavering support of her family, she learned to face every challenge with determination and perseverance.
Sandhyarani started as a beginner and later got the opportunity to join Future Stars Sports Academy through her coach. There, she received better training, exposure, and opportunities to grow as an athlete. Through consistent hard work and dedication, she steadily improved her skills and established herself as a strong rugby player.
One of the biggest milestones in her career has been representing India at both the national and international levels. She has participated in several national tournaments and training camps and has also had the honour of representing the country in international competitions. Sports Now spoke to Sandhyarani on a range of topics. Excerpts:
Q. Sandhya, if we talk about rugby, how important is this sport for you? What is the significance of rugby to you?
Sandhya: If I speak honestly, rugby is an identity for me. Because of it, right now, I mean, everyone recognises me—that yes, this is Sandhya Rani Tudu, she is an international rugby player. I mean, nowadays, what happens is that when I play, whenever I go to camps and such, and I get money, I send it home.
So, mumma and papa get very happy. And I am from a small village, from a small family. My papa is a labourer, and my mother is a housewife. We are five brothers and sisters. I started playing rugby in 2017. Back then, I was in a school. I started since then, and then in 2018, I played Nationals.
After that, there was no practice, there was nothing, then everything got shut down. Then, after leaving that school, in the village, there were no such facilities like a ground. A girl, meaning, going from the village to practice, wearing short clothes… then people used to say a lot of things. Then, our coach, he spoke to me and told me that there is a place for you to practice. I said, ‘No sir, there are no such facilities here.’
Then, after talking to him, they… took me to Future Stars Sports Academy in Mayurbhanj. He told me to join there. Then I joined there. Then, there, along with practice, I did my studies as well, and did hard work. After that, slowly, slowly, I kept playing Nationals. Then I also got a chance to participate in the Indian team. And now, I have finally made it to this team as well. So, it feels really great!
Q: And this Women’s League that is happening now, how important was it for a Women’s League to happen? For women players, how good a step is this that a women’s league is also taking place?
Sandhya: What happened last year, RPL, back then it was only for men. At that time, we were also watching the matches, and we were also thinking, ‘Wish we were also at this place, and we would also play’. Finally, now we are playing. I would like to say that because right now, there are many girls in the village, they also have some dream, to play, or study.. I will say to them that you do hard work.
Q: And if we talk about rugby, Sandhya. How do you see rugby in India? Its recognition – do you feel it is slowly growing, or would you like to say something to the people so that rugby is also supported? What will be your message?
Sandhya: Earlier, rugby wasn’t that highlighted in India, but now it is growing. I just want to say it like this – right now in India, more than rugby, cricket… everyone watches cricket. So, this is also just like cricket, this is a body-contact game,, it will be fun to watch too. So, right now, as the Rugby Premier League is underway, I would want and tell everyone to please watch, enjoy, and support.
Q. And do you have any favourite athletes? A favorite sports person? Who?
Sandhya: Portia Woodman. She is a New Zealand player.