Hull to host 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge - city chosen amid offers from around the world

Hull to Host the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge

Hull has been selected as the venue for the 2026 Betfred World Club Challenge. The match will take place at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Match Details

The 2025 Betfred Super League champions, Hull KR, will compete against the Telstra Premiership winners from the NRL, the Brisbane Broncos.

Players to Watch

The game will feature some of Australia's top players from the Ashes series, including Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Patrick Carrigan. They will face Hull KR’s England representatives Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess.

Statements from Rugby League Officials

Nigel Wood, chair of RL Commercial, said: "Rugby League's Anglo-Australian rivalry takes the sport to a wider audience, as we have seen in the current Ashes series, and it's wonderful to see the World Club Challenge heading for the first time to the great Rugby League city of Hull."

"Hull KR will become only the sixth British club to earn the privilege of playing in the World Club Challenge, a fitting reward for the outstanding progress they have made in recent seasons."

"They could have no more attractive opposition than Brisbane Broncos, one of the most resonant names in Australian sport. The Broncos have graced this fixture a number of times in the past, and have again shown their support of international Rugby League in agreeing to travel north in February 2026 - when they will also be breaking new ground with their first appearance in Hull."

Significance

This event highlights Hull’s growing prominence in rugby league and continues the sport’s strong international ties, especially between the UK and Australia.

Summary

The 2026 World Club Challenge in Hull will showcase top rugby talent from the UK and Australia, marking Hull KR’s impressive rise and Brisbane Broncos’ debut in the city.

Insider Media — 2025-11-06