The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated 2025 NRL Vegas 9’s Rugby League Festival, set to take place at the New Silver Bowl Park on February 27 and 28.
This event promises to bring together rugby league teams from across North America and around the globe for two days of fast-paced, high-energy action.
Last year’s champions, the Sacramento Immortals (men’s division) and the Ontario Ospreys (women’s division), are expected to return to defend their titles in bigger and better competitions.
The Under 18s men’s and women’s divisions will also expand after being dominated by teams from the Utah Rugby League in 2024.
Among the North American clubs to enter both men’s and women’s divisions at the 2024 event were the LA Mongrel.
Looking forward to a second outing at this annual event, Ady Cooney, who established the club in 2019, said: “We had a fantastic time at this year’s event and are really looking forward to returning in 2025. The 9’s presents a perfect platform for us to kick off our season”.
The first international team locked in for the 2025 Vegas 9’s is the Brisbane Veterans Jackals, a club founded to support ex-service men and women and their families as they transition from life in the forces through Rugby League.
Club President Aaron Wallis said: “Everybody, especially our players, is just eager to get out there and show the American clubs how we do business with Rugby League in the Land Down Under. To show our support of our professional league, the NRL, at Allegiant Stadium”.
The NRL Vegas 9’s Festival is not just about the competition; it’s a celebration of rugby league and forms an important part of a series of events that will be delivered by the NRL in the lead-up to the Rugby League extravaganza at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, March 1.
This will feature Round 1 of the NRL Premiership with four times NRL Premiers, Penrith Panthers, facing off against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Canberra Raiders taking on the New Zealand Warriors.
In an exciting addition, the festival will also see back-to-back UK Super League Champions, Wigan Warriors, take on Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves, and an international Test match between the world’s No.1 ranked women’s team, the Australian Jillaroos, and England.
With the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, the 2025 NRL Rugby League Festival is set to be an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
Teams eager to compete at the 9’s can submit their expressions of interest at www.playrugbyleague.com/vegas9s
Instagram: vegas9s_rugbyleague
