Rugby league to finally make its appearance in New York

Back in 2019, New York Rugby League had ambitions to join the British rugby league system.

The ‘Big Apple’ side wanted to join the Challenge Cup competition in 2021 when the Ottawa Aces were expected to join League 1 and then the British leagues in 2022.

Of course, with the demise of the Toronto Wolfpack, that dream almost ended for the North of America.

But, now New York RL has instead joined the North American Rugby League competition alongside the likes of Atlanta Rhinos, Toronto and Washington D.C. Cavalry.

The club itself confirmed the move on its Instagram page: “It’s been building in the streets throughout the “5 Boroughs”. From the ferries that cross the Hudson to the hot dog vendors on 39th street to top of the lighthouses on Long Island, RUGBY LEAGUE is coming to New York. We started the journey in 2019, and we are proud to announce that NYRL will be a founding team in the @narugbyleague“.

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Only five teams have so far committed to the 2022 NARL competition with Cleveland RLFC the last side to make up the list after the league was suspended for 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.