It might sound like a pipe dream to some, but the idea of merging rugby league and rugby union deserves serious consideration.
After more than a century of separation, it’s time to explore bringing these two codes back together.
This isn’t a typo or a whimsical thought; it’s a potential path forward that could breathe new life into the sport.
Rethinking the Rugby Landscape
Why continue to compete for a slice of the sporting pie when both codes could benefit from a merger?
With the sports market in flux, a merger could be a way to stay relevant and dynamic.
A straightforward analysis, free from emotional attachment, reveals that there might not be enough room for both codes to thrive separately.
Each has its strengths, but combining them could create a more robust rugby presence.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Code
Rugby union boasts a strong international presence, but rugby league has a solid foothold in Australia and notable followings in New Zealand, the Pacific, and parts of northern England.
The league’s passionate fan base in the M62 corridor is impressive, though it’s not widely recognized outside that region.
Super League’s season is winding down as the Premiership kicks off, with clubs like Wigan, Hull Kingston Rovers, and Warrington vying for top spots.
Teams like Leeds Rhinos and St Helens have fan bases comparable to many Premiership clubs.
The Super League Grand Final draws crowds of 60,000 to 70,000, nearly matching recent Premiership Final attendances.
Social Media and Fan Engagement
When it comes to social media, there’s a close race between the codes.
Leeds has a significant following on X with 206,000 followers, outpacing union clubs like Leicester, who have nearly 170,000.
Wigan and St Helens also have strong digital followings.
Match-day attendances are similar across both codes, although the Tigers lead in ticket sales.
League seems to connect better with younger audiences.
Recent data shows that rugby league ranks among the top 20 sports for engagement among 18-24-year-olds in the UK, a category where rugby union doesn’t feature.
This aligns with the perception that union’s fan base is aging.
The Appeal of a Simpler Format
In an era where sports consumption is increasingly digital and attention spans are shrinking, a simpler game format has clear advantages.
Rugby league’s straightforward style—run, catch, pass, tackle—is easier to grasp than union’s more complex aspects like scrums, lineouts, and mauls.
This simplicity might make league more appealing to a broader audience.
Potential Benefits of a Merger
Merging the codes could offer numerous benefits.
Rugby union’s broader global reach could help rugby league expand its footprint, particularly in Europe, Africa, and South America.
Meanwhile, integrating prominent league teams like Wigan, St Helens, and Leeds into the Premiership could enhance the league’s profile and ensure rugby’s future.
Challenges and Possibilities
Of course, merging two such distinct codes wouldn’t be simple.
League is played in the summer while union is a winter sport, which presents scheduling conflicts.
However, focusing on professional levels and incorporating elements from both codes could be a way forward.
For instance, maintaining league’s 13-a-side format while integrating some set-piece aspects from union, like lineouts and contested scrums, might work well.
Flankers could excel in a faster-paced game that emphasizes their speed and defensive skills while reducing injury risks.
Resistance and Change
Naturally, traditionalists might resist this idea, fearing it threatens rugby union’s inclusive ethos.
But the real threat is the future of rugby amid a rapidly evolving sports landscape.
A merger could provide a stronger foundation for both codes.
No to a Premiership-URC Merger
On the other hand, a merger between the Premiership and the United Rugby Championship (URC) doesn’t seem as promising.
It would leave Italian and South African teams isolated, though South Africa might still thrive with its domestic competition.
A British and Irish league could undermine the Champions Cup and fail to attract fans, given the rotation policies of Irish teams.
Instead, an Anglo-Welsh league could be more effective.
Placing the top Welsh sides in the Premiership and others in the Championship, with the possibility of including RGC 1404, might boost interest in Welsh rugby.
This approach could energize the sport in Wales, where fans show great enthusiasm for games against English teams.
The Premiership’s New Season
The Premiership kicks off with high expectations after a thrilling 2023-24 season.
Bath is a strong title contender, especially with Northampton starting without the influential Courtney Lawes.
The impact of losing Owen Farrell and the Vunipolas on Saracens remains to be seen, and Sale, guided by George Ford, will be a team to watch.
Leicester’s potential under Michael Cheika and the competitive landscape of teams like Bristol, Exeter, Harlequins, and others ensure another exciting season.
The league looks set for another wide-open, engaging year.
The Final Word
Now might be the perfect time for the RFU to bring Shaun Edwards back into the fold.
His proven track record and expertise in defense could be exactly what England needs.
Edwards would bring significant experience and leadership, complementing the head coach’s skills.
His addition would signal confidence in the England setup and address recent changes within the RFU.
Joe El-Abd is a strong candidate to replace Felix Jones, with a solid background in French rugby.
However, securing Edwards could transform the mood around the England team and should be a priority for the RFU.