It started as a cross-code schoolboy exhibition. Now Hybrid Rugby could save the English Super League

2 days ago 6

The organisers of Hybrid Rugby have pitched a $3 million-plus proposal to stage a cross-code clash between English clubs from the Super League and Premier Rugby.

Two local footballing nurseries, Barker College in Hornsby and St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown, participated in a hybrid clash in October. Played under a mix of rugby union and league rules, it was the first exhibition of its kind in Australia for nearly a decade.

Now there is a submission to the cash-strapped Rugby Football League (RFL) – which allegedly owes the International Rugby League (IRL) an $800,000 debt stemming from the Rugby League World Cup three years ago – to stage a cross-code clash between two high-profile English clubs.

Hybrid Rugby chairman Paul Franks believes it could be a money spinner for both codes in England.

“Absolutely, $3 million would be a minimum,” Franks said of the cut the RFL would receive.

“I don’t see why it can’t [work]. Hybrid Rugby is not a disruptor, it’s for both codes to host games and to share revenue.

“It’s not like an R360 that’s coming to try to take over, you can play these games straight away and each of the codes could make money out of it.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to who has watched the game has made similar comments – that it’s a fast and exciting game that does negate some of the stoppages that happen in rugby.”

Wembley Stadium has been touted as a potential venue.

“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.

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.

“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.”