HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED: NRL x NATIONAL COLLEGIATE RUGBY

NCR All-Stars to Compete in the Premier Division at the 2026 Vegas 9s

The National Rugby League (NRL) — the world’s premier Rugby League competition — and National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) — Representing 20,000 student-athletes and 650 teams — are proud to announce a landmark partnership that will see NCR Men’s and Women’s All-Stars teams compete in the Premier Division at the 2026 Vegas 9s Festival, providing an opportunity to perform in front of NRL & NRL Officials for the potential of being scouted for NRL/NRLW trials. 

The All-Stars squads will be selected at the NCR All-Stars XVs/7s Championship in Atlanta this January, where 600+ men's and women's athletes will be assessed against NRL and NRLW high-performance benchmarks. Selected players will then travel to Las Vegas to compete on the international stage and chase a place in the Grand Final at Allegiant Stadium — the official curtain-raiser to the NRL & Super League Triple Header — a truly unique opportunity for any collegiate athlete. 

Alongside the All-Stars pathway, this partnership will also introduce a brand-new College Division, opening the door for ALL college teams across North America to experience Rugby League on one of the sport’s biggest weekends. It’s a fantastic opportunity for college athletes to give Rugby League a go, test themselves in fast-paced 9s rugby league, and perform in front of NRL officials, coaches and talent scouts.

The Vegas 9s launches a massive Triple Header weekend, giving all participating athletes the chance to showcase their talent under the lights of Las Vegas — just days before the world’s best take the field.