Australia Men's Sevens co-captain Henry Hutchison is embracing the inaugural Rugby Premier League in India as a new competition that can take the sport to the next level.
Hutchison is one of several Australians linked to teams ahead of the opening round on Sunday, shown on Rugby Pass TV.
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The tournament will be run from June 15-29, with Hutchison picked up by the Mumbai Dreamers alongside James Turner.
Australia Women's Sevens coach Tim Walsh will coach the side, while Maurice Longbottom will line up for Kalinga Black Tigers.
"It's really exciting. I think it's been in the works for a couple of years now so finally got off the ground this year is super exciting," Hutchison told Rugby.com.au before heading off.
"The Sevens is a funny game where you never really mix with other players from other nations. You're always competing against them.
"I'm really looking forward to putting on the same jersey as players from Argentina, Fiji, America, from all around the world, and then also playing with the local Indian fellas."
The tournament has attracted a host of international superstars, including Argentina's Luciano Gonzalez, Ireland's Terry Kennedy and Spain's Pol Pla.
With the SVNS World Series set for a new-look format in 2025-26, Hutchison believes there's been room for a club competition for a long term.
"I think there's been a space for this for a little while, and no one's taking it on so massive props to India for just ripping the band-aid off," Hutchison believes.
"I'm sure there'll be some teething issues, but that'll be the fun of it. From all the players that I've spoken to around the circuit, they're super excited, as it's something different, and the sky's the limit."
