The 2026 rugby league season
Everything happening across the rugby league calendar in 2026 — the major competitions, the headline fixtures, where to watch, and the storylines worth following.
Live now
Competitions in progress
Coming later
Yet to start
Storylines
What to watch this season
EXPANSION
Super League grows to 14 teams
First season with Bradford, Wakefield, York, and Toulouse all in the top flight together. London Broncos and Salford Red Devils dropped down.
DEFENCE
Hull KR defending the treble
After winning the League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup, and Grand Final last year, plus the World Club Challenge in February, Robins look to do it all again.
VEGAS
Las Vegas Round expands
NRL's Las Vegas Round added a Super League fixture for the first time, with Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos joining the NRL double-header at Allegiant Stadium.
RIGHTS
Rugbyrama becomes the French home of league
Free-to-air, in French, covering at least 51 matches per season for Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique. beIN Sports France lost rights at the end of last season.
STREAK
Penrith's four-peat is over
Brisbane ended Penrith's run with a 26-22 win in last year's Grand Final. The Panthers regroup with a new captain and several departures to face their toughest title defence yet.
TRANSFERS
Big-name moves shake the board
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck heading to Wakefield Trinity for 2027, Cameron Smith back in Super League with Wigan, and continuing roster shuffles between the comps.
Headline fixtures
The matches everyone's circling
Rivalry matches and marquee occasions worth blocking out the calendar for.
Super League · Round 13
Wigan Warriors
vs
St Helens
Brick Community Stadium, Wigan
Super League · Round 13
Toulouse Olympique
vs
Catalans Dragons
Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse
Super League · Round 13
Hull KR
vs
Hull FC
Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull
Super League · Round 14
Leeds Rhinos
vs
Wigan Warriors
AMT Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Super League · Round 14
Hull FC
vs
Hull KR
MKM Stadium, Hull
Title race
Reigning champions and current leaders
FAQ
Common questions about the 2026 season
When does the 2026 Super League season start?
The 2026 Super League season started in February with the first round of fixtures, expanded to 14 teams for the first time. The regular season runs through to early September, followed by the play-offs, with the Grand Final at Old Trafford in early October.
When does the 2026 NRL season start?
The 2026 NRL season opened in early March, preceded by the Las Vegas Round in late February at Allegiant Stadium. The 17-team regular season runs through August, with the finals series in September and the Grand Final at Accor Stadium, Sydney in early October.
Who won the 2025 championships?
Hull KR won the 2025 Super League Grand Final, completing a treble that also included the League Leaders' Shield and the Challenge Cup. Brisbane Broncos won the 2025 NRL Grand Final 26-22 over Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium.
What's new in the 2026 season?
Super League expanded to 14 teams for 2026 — Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity, York Knights, and Toulouse Olympique joined; London Broncos and Salford Red Devils dropped down. The NRL's Las Vegas Round added a Super League fixture (Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos) for the first time. Rugbyrama became the primary French broadcaster, replacing beIN Sports France.
Where can I watch the 2026 season?
Coverage varies by country. The UK has Sky Sports for Super League and Watch NRL/Super League+ for international matches. Australia uses Fox League, Kayo, and the free Nine Network. France gets Rugbyrama free-to-air. The full breakdown is on our streaming services page or by country guide.
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