‘Sport and entertainment together’: Sam Burgess becomes part-owner of Hybrid Rugby

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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 Phil 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.

Sam Burgess during his playing days with South Sydney.

Two local footballing nurseries, Barker College in Hornsby and St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown, participated in a hybrid clash in October.

After meeting with Hybrid Rugby boss Paul Franks, Warrington Wolves coach Burgess has taken a stake in the business.

“I have an interest in it,” Burgess said. “I believe in the concept. In time, I believe it is going to go off. It’s a good opportunity.

“There’s not an advantage to league or to union. It’s a good balance of the rules for the codes and putting the athleticism and skill on show. I think [international matches] is where it might end up.

“We could see the Kangaroos versus the [Wallabies]; you could do Australia v Australia – people would want to see that.

“The good thing is it’s global – you could see South Africa, the All Blacks. It’s an exhibition-style game – you could say it compares a bit to T20 in cricket, that style of outside-the-box thinking.

“It’s worldwide, and you see all sorts of formats breaking off. I think we will see a game in the next year or two at that [international] level.”

Given the RFL allegedly owes the International Rugby League $800,000, stemming from the Rugby League World Cup three years ago, a hybrid game could help English rugby league overcome some of its financial issues. Wembley and Twickenham have been mooted as potential venues capable of hosting a fixture featuring the English league Test side.

The RFL disputed claims of a debt to the international body in comments made last November.

“I think there’s an appetite for the English game, especially with rugby league having its challenges,” Burgess said.

“I think it’s another avenue for the game and the players to generate some revenue. England would be a great place to do this.”

Cleary has previously backed the hybrid game and revealed he would be interested in coaching one of the teams should an international be staged.

“I definitely think there’s an opportunity for both codes to come together and put on some games of substance,” Cleary said late last year.

“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.”