‘Sport and entertainment together’: Sam Burgess becomes part-owner of Hybrid Rugby
Sam Burgess is one of the biggest names in rugby league and union. Now the dual international believes the rival codes can come together in a unique new game.
‘Sport and entertainment together’: Sam Burgess becomes part-owner of Hybrid Rugby
Sam Burgess has thrown his heavyweight support behind the Hybrid Rugby concept and is so confident that cross-code internationals will soon be staged he has invested in the business.
The organisers of Hybrid Rugby have already pitched a $3 million-plus proposal to the cash-strapped Rugby Football League – the governing body for rugby league in England – to stage an international at the end of this year. Other parties will also be approached.
It raises the prospect of an exhibition match being staged as a warm-up for the Rugby League World Cup – to be played in October and November 2026 – or after that event is completed.
Dual international Burgess, one of the biggest names in both rugby codes in Australia and England, has joined four-time premiership-winning Penrith coach Ivan Cleary as an advocate for Hybrid Rugby.
“It really works well; I like the concept,” Burgess said.
“It’s quite exciting for the game. I’ve played both [league and rugby], and I know the crossover between the two.
Sam Burgess has joined Paul Franks as part of the Hybrid Rugby revolution.
“At a high level, I believe there could be an appetite for a cross-code game … an international style game played under hybrid rules. It would excite a lot of rugby union fans and a lot of rugby league fans across the globe.
“It’s not just necessarily Australian and UK fans; places like South Africa could show a lot of interest in this concept.
“It’s about sport and entertainment, and bringing together the two codes could be a bit of fun. It could work out quite well.”
Under modified rules, Hybrid Rugby seeks to accentuate the best aspects of both sports, without disadvantaging players from either code. They include league laws being used when a team is in possession in its own half, then switching to rugby rules when in enemy territory. Tackle counts are disposed of, with a shot clock restricting the attacking side to 60 seconds with the ball on each side of the halfway line.
