England could soon witness an unprecedented hybrid rugby match, combining the rules of both rugby league and rugby union. The proposal has emerged from Hybrid Rugby, an Australian company that has been championing cross-code rugby exhibitions for over a decade. The concept would see England’s rugby league and rugby union teams, led by captains George Williams and Maro Itoje respectively, face off in a groundbreaking exhibition match in 2026.

The Vision Behind Hybrid Rugby

Hybrid Rugby has a unique format designed to blend the fast-paced action of league with the strategic complexity of union. Under the rules, when the team in possession is in their own half, the match is played under rugby league rules. Once they cross into the opposition half, union rules come into play. The game also features a strict 60-second limit for advancing past the halfway line, which adds urgency and excitement.

The company’s previous high-profile events include a 2015 match between Sydney’s legendary union club Randwick and league side Western Suburbs Magpies, showcasing the potential appeal of cross-code rugby.

Historical Cross-Code Matches

Cross-code matches are not entirely new in rugby history. After rugby union turned professional in the mid-1990s, exhibition games between top league and union clubs became popular. Notable encounters include:

• Bath vs Wigan: Two games in Manchester and Twickenham, with Wigan dominating the league match 82-6, but losing the union game 44-19.
• Sale vs St Helens (2003): Featured one half under league rules and the other under union rules.
• Annual 745 Game (2024 onward): Played to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease, featuring composite rules and retired star players.

These events demonstrated the entertainment value and competitive intrigue of mixing rugby codes, laying the groundwork for England’s potential hybrid match.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm, significant logistical hurdles remain. England’s rugby league calendar has been compressed due to an expanded Super League, leaving little room for mid-season exhibitions in 2026. Meanwhile, England’s rugby union team is committed to the inaugural Nations Championship, which occupies their traditional Test windows.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) and Rugby Football Union (RFU) would need to reach agreements on player availability and scheduling. The RFU, for instance, has arrangements with Premiership clubs to ensure top players are available and in peak condition for England matches.

Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial, commented:
“We have received an enquiry about Hybrid Rugby. We have not assessed this specific approach yet. There are a multitude of things we would need to consider. However, if we believe there is some tangible benefit to the sport, we will.”

Potential Impact

If realized, the England hybrid match could draw widespread attention from rugby fans across both codes, creating a new platform for entertainment and innovation. Fans would see how elite players adapt to alternating rules, test their versatility, and witness strategic creativity in a dynamic new format.

By combining the physicality and pace of rugby league with the tactical depth of union, the hybrid match could also serve as a showcase to expand rugby’s global audience and inspire future players to engage with both codes.

Looking Forward

While still in the proposal stage, the concept of a rugby league-union hybrid match in England has generated excitement among fans, players, and administrators alike. With careful planning, cooperation between governing bodies, and scheduling adjustments, 2026 could mark the start of a bold new era in cross-code rugby entertainment.