It started as a cross-code schoolboy exhibition. Now Hybrid Rugby could save the English Super League with $3m clash
“There was a hybrid game that was due to happen back in December of 2013 with the RFL and the Wallabies and that was at Wembley Stadium,” Franks said.
“There have been previous discussions on it.”
The league/rugby hybrid game between Barker College and St Gregory’s.Credit: Janie Barrett
Several Super League clubs are haemorrhaging money and the NRL is considering taking a stake in the competition to ensure it is financially viable.
Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial – a joint venture between the RFL and Super League – confirmed the Hybrid Rugby approach.
“We have received an inquiry about Hybrid Rugby,” Jones said.
“It suggests there is an opportunity to play a hybrid game in England. 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.
“With this, or any other approach of this nature, any opportunities need to be brought to the RFL or RL Commercial rather than clubs for it to be given due consideration.”
Four-time NRL premiership-winning Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has lent his support to the Hybrid Rugby concept.
“I definitely think there’s an opportunity for both codes to come together and put on some games of substance,” he said last month.
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“I also think it’s pretty cool for players of both codes to be able to come and have a foot in each camp. With the pool of talent, maybe there’s a way we can actually coexist …
“As the game grows, I’m sure players are looking over the fence. [I was] just in the UK and you’re surrounded by football and the money they make, you know what I mean?”
In Hybrid Rugby, the team in possession obeys rugby league laws in their own half, then switches to rugby rules when in enemy territory. Tackle counts have been disposed of, with a shot clock restricting the attacking side to 60 seconds of play on each side of the halfway line.
“We’ve had five or six games over the years and we feel the rules make it fair for both codes,” Franks said.
“You don’t get the usual rugby rucks, it’s somewhere between a sevens ruck and a standard 15-a-side ruck. While that takes adapting for rugby league players, the rugby union players need to adapt to getting back 10 metres every time in defence.”
