RUGBY LEAGUE 101

Rugby League is one of the fastest, toughest, and most exciting team sports in the world. Played with 13 players per side, the game combines the power of American football, the nonstop flow of soccer, and the strategy of basketball—all without the endless stoppages. The result: eighty minutes of explosive action where endurance, skill, and teamwork decide the outcome.

Born in England in 1895, Rugby League has grown into a global game played in more than 40 countries, with major competitions in Australia, New Zealand, England, and now the United States. Its hallmark is speed: teams have six chances (or “tackles”) to advance the ball and score, which keeps the pace relentless and the excitement high for players and fans alike.

In the U.S., Rugby League is thriving through the USARL, which runs local clubs, national competitions, and pathways for athletes to represent America on the world stage. Whether you’re drawn to its intensity on the field or its community off it, Rugby League is a sport that welcomes everyone.