The Most Popular Rugby League, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Rugby League you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:47
In the dynamic world of Rugby League, fans and newcomers alike often find themselves overwhelmed by the number of teams and matches to follow. A ranked list of the most popular teams can provide clarity and insight, helping enthusiasts prioritize which games to watch and which teams might offer the most thrilling gameplay. This ranking serves not only as a guide but as a snapshot of current trends and fan favorites in the sport.
By participating in the voting process, users have the unique opportunity to voice their preferences and influence the rank order. Each vote contributes to the evolving landscape of Rugby League popularity, ensuring the rankings reflect the genuine consensus among the community. Whether you're a seasoned supporter or a curious observer, your input is crucial in painting a true picture of the sport's current favorites.
What Is the Most Popular Rugby League?
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166votesThe premier Rugby League competition in Australia and New Zealand, featuring 16 teams from across the region. The NRL is known for its fast and physical style of play, attracting a large following and media attention.The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition based in Australia and New Zealand. It is considered the top-level domestic rugby league club competition in the world.
- Established: 1998
- Number of Teams: 16
- Season Duration: March to October
- Championship Trophy: The NRL Premiership Trophy
- Broadcasters: Nine Network, Foxtel, Sky Sports NZ
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237votes
Super League
Rugby Football League (RFL)The top professional Rugby League competition in Europe, featuring 12 teams from England and France. The Super League has a strong following in the UK and Europe, with a growing international appeal.The Super League is a professional rugby league competition in Europe, primarily played in England and France. It is the top-level league in the sport, featuring teams from various cities and regions. The competition is known for its fast-paced and physical style of play, attracting a large fan base in the rugby league community.- Number of Teams: 12
- Format: Round-robin followed by playoffs
- Season: February to October
- Broadcasters: Sky Sports, BBC Sport
- Previous Names: Rugby Football League Championship, First Division
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329votesA series of three annual Rugby League matches played between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues, representing the two Australian states. State of Origin is known for its intense rivalry and high-quality play, attracting millions of viewers and generating significant media attention.The State of Origin is an annual rugby league series played between the Australian state teams of New South Wales and Queensland. It is considered the pinnacle of rugby league competition and has a rich history dating back to 1980.
- Origin Format: Three-match series played over a period of three weeks.
- Eligibility: Players are eligible to represent the state where they first played senior rugby league.
- Venue Rotation: Matches are played in various stadiums across New South Wales and Queensland.
- Team Selection Pool: Players from NRL clubs in New South Wales and Queensland are eligible for selection.
- Intensity: Known for its physicality and passionate performances, State of Origin matches are highly intense.
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414votesAn international Rugby League tournament held every four years, featuring teams from around the world. The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of international Rugby League, showcasing the best players and teams from across the globe.The Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league tournament that brings together teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champions. It is one of the most prestigious and popular events in the sport of rugby league.
- Established: 1954
- Frequency: Every four years
- Number of teams: 16
- Current champions: Australia (2017)
- Most titles: Australia (11)
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517votesThe top professional Rugby League competition in England, featuring 14 teams from across the country. The English Premiership is known for its physicality and competitiveness, and has a strong following in the UK and Europe.The English Premiership is the top-level professional rugby league competition in England. It features teams from both England and France and is regarded as one of the most popular and competitive rugby league tournaments in the world.
- Number of teams: 12
- Season duration: Approximately 9 months
- Format: Round-robin league followed by playoffs
- Current champions: Exeter Chiefs
- Most championships: Leicester Tigers (10 titles)
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610votes
Queensland Cup
Queensland Rugby League (QRL)A second-tier Rugby League competition in Australia, featuring teams from the state of Queensland. The Queensland Cup is known for its high-quality play and competitive matches, providing a pathway for young players to reach the NRL.The Queensland Cup is a professional rugby league competition in Australia that is considered one of the most popular rugby leagues. It is the second-tier competition for rugby league in Queensland, sitting below the National Rugby League (NRL).- Year Established: 1996
- Number of Teams: 14
- Season Duration: March to September
- Match Format: 26 regular season rounds + playoffs
- Promotion: Top team may be promoted to the NRL
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79votes
Intrust Super Cup
Queensland Rugby LeagueA second-tier Rugby League competition in Australia, featuring teams from Queensland and New South Wales. The Intrust Super Cup is known for its fast and exciting play, attracting a growing following and media attention.The Intrust Super Cup is a top-level rugby league competition in Australia. It serves as the second-tier competition beneath the National Rugby League (NRL) and is considered one of the most popular rugby league competitions in the country.- Year Established: 1996
- Teams: 14
- Competition Level: Second-tier
- Geographical Scope: Queensland, Australia
- Broadcasting: Matches are broadcast on television and live-streamed online
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83votesA second-tier Rugby League competition in Australia, featuring teams from the state of New South Wales. The NSW Cup is known for its high-quality play and competitive matches, providing a pathway for young players to reach the NRL.The NSW Cup, also known as the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, is a professional Rugby League competition that operates in New South Wales, Australia. It is considered the second-tier competition below the National Rugby League (NRL).
- Number of Teams: Currently 12 teams
- Participating Clubs: Teams affiliated with NRL clubs from New South Wales and some Queensland-based teams
- Competition Format: Regular season followed by finals series
- Player Pathway: Pathway for players to showcase their skills and work towards NRL selection
- Broadcasting: Televised games on various sports networks
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910votesA knockout Rugby League competition in England, featuring teams from across the country. The Challenge Cup is known for its tradition and history, dating back to 1896, and attracts a significant following and media attention.The Challenge Cup is an annual knockout rugby league competition in the United Kingdom. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby league tournaments in the world, dating back to 1896. The competition features teams from various levels of the sport, including professional, semi-professional, and amateur clubs, and culminates in a final at Wembley Stadium in London.
- Format: Knockout tournament
- Number of teams: Participation varies each year, typically over 90 teams
- Prize: The winner receives the Challenge Cup trophy
- Record titles: Wigan Warriors, with 19 titles
- Current holders: Leeds Rhinos
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1011votesAn international Rugby League tournament held every two years, featuring teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, and one other nation (usually Papua New Guinea or France). The Four Nations is a highly competitive tournament, showcasing the best players and teams from across the world.The Four Nations is an international rugby league tournament that features four of the top national teams. It is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport.
- Year Established: 2009
- Format: Round-robin tournament with knockout stage
- Participating Nations: Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland
- Number of Teams: 4
- Duration: Approximately 4 weeks
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Ranking factors for popular Rugby League
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Number of registered playersThe number of actively registered players is a key factor in measuring the popularity of a rugby league. A higher number of players indicates a larger fan base and more participation in the sport.
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Attendance at gamesThe average attendance at rugby league games can be an indicator of its popularity. Higher attendance numbers suggest greater public interest and support for the league.
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Television and streaming viewershipThe number of viewers who regularly watch rugby league games on television and streaming platforms can also be an important consideration in ranking popularity.
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Social media engagementSocial media platforms can be a powerful indicator of the popularity of a rugby league. A high number of followers, likes, and shares can provide evidence of a strong and engaged fan base.
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Sponsorship and commercial partnershipsThe number and quality of sponsorship deals and commercial partnerships that a rugby league has can be a sign of its overall popularity and financial success.
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International successThe performance of teams within a rugby league at international competitions (e.g., Rugby League World Cup) can be a strong indicator of the league's popularity and the quality of its players.
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Quality of players and competitionThe level of skill and competitiveness within a rugby league can have a significant impact on its popularity. High-quality matches featuring top players will attract a larger audience and boost the league's reputation.
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Grassroots development and youth participationA strong focus on grassroots development and encouraging youth participation in rugby league can lead to greater interest and popularity of the sport in the long term.
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Media coverageThe amount of media coverage a rugby league receives, both in traditional media outlets and online, can influence its popularity. More coverage can lead to increased awareness and interest in the league.
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Historical and cultural importanceThe historical and cultural significance of a rugby league can play an important role in its popularity. A league with a rich history and strong cultural ties can have a loyal and dedicated fan base.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Rugby League. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or League is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3032 views
- 202 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each League once every 24 hours. The rank of each League is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rugby league
Rugby League is a full-contact sport that originated in Northern England in the late 19th century. It is a variation of Rugby Union, with some key differences in rules and gameplay. Rugby League is played with two teams of 13 players each, and the objective is to score points by carrying or kicking the ball into the opposition's goal area.
The sport has a strong following in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where it is considered one of the most popular spectator sports. The National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia and the Super League in the UK are the two major rugby league competitions in the world.
Over the years, many great Rugby League players have emerged, each with their own unique style and skillset. From legends like Wally Lewis and Andrew Johns to current stars like Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston, Rugby League has produced some of the most talented athletes in the world.
With so many great teams and players to choose from, it's no surprise that Rugby League fans are passionate about their sport and love to debate the most popular teams and players. At StrawPoll, we give fans the opportunity to vote and share their opinions on all things Rugby League.
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