Rhinos Join new NARL

Our new North American professional rugby league competition launches today called North American Rugby League. ‘NARL’ will be a 14-team competition that will play its first round of games on the weekend of June 19 in Brooklyn and June 20 in Las Vegas.

Teams from across the United States and Canada will compete in three conferences, the East Coast Conference comprising of Atlanta Rhinos, Boston Thirteens, Brooklyn Kings, Cleveland Rugby League, New York Rugby League and Washington Cavalry. The West Coast Conference made up of Austin Armadillos, Las Vegas Blackjacks, Phoenix Venom, Portland Loggers, San Diego Swell and San Francisco Rush. Due to Covid-19 regulations, a Canada Cup will be played between Toronto Wolfpack and Ottawa Aces before both teams enter the East Coast Conference in 2022.

All games will be broadcast on NARL’s exclusive online streaming partner, SportsFlick. In 2021 due to Covid-19 regulations, all games will be played in a ‘single venue or festival style’ that will see all teams in their respective conference play in one stadium on one day with no fans to keep everyone safe.

Speaking ahead of today’s launch, NARL’s Head of Operations, Robert Curtis said “I’m delighted to introduce the North America Rugby League to rugby league fans around the world in what we firmly believe is the next big evolutionary step for Rugby League.”

“The NARL is the culmination of years of research and market testing and has been designed to bring you the hardest hitting, fastest and most exciting sport on the planet. Matches begin this summer. It’s time to get excited about a new class of contact sport.”

“We see NARL as an addition to the existing rugby league structures in the United States and certainly do not see ourselves as a ‘rival’ or ‘rebel’ league. Our sole aim is to grow the fantastic sport of rugby league in North America and create a legacy for generations to come.”

For further information and media enquiries, please contact info@narugbylegue.com