Transitioning between rugby league and rugby union is often more difficult than what people think.
The likes of Andy Farrell and Jason Robinson excelled in both codes whilst those such as Sam Burgess and Joel Tomkins have endured great criticism from those within the 15-man game.
However, you see even less stars moving from union to league after establishing themselves in the former, but which five current union stars would excel in Super League?
Owen Farrell
The first one is probably the most obvious choice of the lot; son of the rugby league guru and legend Andy, Owen Farrell has taken the 15-a-side code by storm. But, rugby league runs in the blood and, having played all of his career with Saracens up until now, Farrell would likely not leave for another rugby union side. England’s fly-half – who can also play in the centre – helped the national side to Six Nations success in 2020 after coming up just short against South Africa in the 2019 World Cup Final. Farrell would walk into any Super League side and be a big hit with his boot making him one of the most revered goalkickers in the game.
TJ Perenara
He has already been linked with a move to rugby league towards the back end of his career after flirting with the idea of moving codes. Haka leader of the All Blacks, the diminutive halfback has made 78 appearances for New Zealand during his career so far with plenty more expected if he stays in rugby union. Having been awarded the IRP Try of the Year in the 2019 World Cup, Perenara is one of the most talented All Blacks playmakers of all time and has been plying his trade with Japanese side the NTT Red Hurricanes in 2021.
George North
A winger in a forward’s body, George North is the epitome of a physical sportsman. With over 100 caps under his belt for Wales, North is so highly regarded that some believe he is one of the Welsh’s best ever wingers. Currently boasting the greatest try record for an individual still playing the game, North is still only 29 with at least five years still in his legs as he continues to show his worth at club level for the Ospreys and previously the Northampton Saints. Would he switch codes? Probably not, but stranger things have happened.
George Ford
Born in Oldham, George Ford – like Owen Farrell – has rugby league pedigree running through his veins. His father is former Castleford Tigers halfback Mike Ford whose role at the Leicester Tigers was recently taken over by rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield following his shock move from league. George, on the other hand, has played all of his career so far in the 15-man code but yet he still only 28. A regular in the England set-up with 76 caps, Ford would be an incredible asset for any Super League side wanting a superb kicker, organiser and playmaker.
Francois de Klerk
Francois ‘Faf’ de Klerk made his name known throughout the world in the 2019 World Cup, sending South Africa to tournament glory with his superb game management at scrum-half. A sniping devil, de Klerk would excel in the much faster Super League, with his running from dummy-half causing nightmares for the opposition. Still only 30 years of age, the Springbok has been at Sale Sharks since 2017, helping the club establish themselves as a stable top flight side. To say he only has 36 caps to his name too, de Klerk is one of the most impressive 9s on the world stage.
