Rugby League Nines 9s 2026: Fixtures, How to Watch & Complete Guide

If you’re a fan of high‑octane rugby action, Rugby League Nines 9s in 2026 promises some of the most exciting short‑form rugby ever seen. Played at a blistering pace with nine players a side on a shortened pitch, Rugby League 9s delivers fast scoring and big‑hit entertainment for fans worldwide. In this guide, we’ll break down the Rugby League Nines fixtures, share the Rugby League 9s schedule for key tournaments, and explain how to watch Rugby League Nines action live and on demand in 2026.

What Is Rugby League Nines?

Rugby League Nines — also called 9s — is a variation of traditional rugby league that features nine players per team instead of thirteen, and matches usually consist of two nine‑minute halves. This shortened format accelerates play, creates space for attacking flair, and thrills crowds with scoring opportunities galore. The Nines format has been used in many major tournaments around the world and continues to expand in popularity as a rugby showcase that’s easy for new fans to enjoy.

Key Rugby League Nines 9s Fixtures — 2026

Here’s a look at the biggest Rugby League Nines fixtures confirmed for 2026 — from major festival events to elite invitational competitions.

YourHub Nines Premier League — Gold Coast, Australia

📍 Date: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 January 2026
📍 Venue: Runaway Bay Rugby League Club, Paradise Point, QLD 🇦🇺
This fan‑favorite festival will bring together 16 teams — including former NRL and international stars, as well as emerging talent — in a weekend of high‑energy play. The event mixes competitive 9s rugby with family‑friendly activities like food trucks, kids zones and entertainment. Pool games start on Saturday with quarterfinals, semis and the Grand Final on Sunday at around 5:15 PM AEST. Nines Premier League+1

Why this matters: It’s one of the first major stops on the Rugby League 9s schedule each year and offers a chance to watch up‑and‑coming players alongside seasoned pros.

• Dawgs

• Salty Pigs

• United SC

• RLPA

• Matakesi

• EZ Squad

• Reborn

• Southern Sharks

• North Coast Marlins

• Port Moresby Vipers

• PAC BaaBaas

• Legacy

🇺🇸 Vegas Rugby League 9s — Las Vegas, USA

📍 Date: Thursday 26 & Friday 27 February 2026
📍 Venue: Silver Bowl Park, Las Vegas 🇺🇸
The Vegas Rugby League 9s is now a staple of the rugby calendar, forming part of the larger Rugby League in Las Vegas Event Week. Teams from across North America — and often international invitees — compete in a weekend of high‑speed 9s action. Expect men’s, women’s and youth divisions as part of the festival. National Rugby League

Note: Although exact teams and fixture lists for 2026 are still finalizing, previous events have included international matchups and competitive 9s brackets — making this one of the most exciting stops for Rugby League fans outside traditional rugby nations. National Rugby League

🇪🇸 Benidorm Bash Rugby League Nines — Spain (Festival Event)

📍 Date: 6–10 January 2026
📍 Location: Benidorm, Alicante, Spain 🇪🇸
While not part of the official elite calendar, the Benidorm Bash includes a two‑day nines tournament as part of a broader rugby league festival. Teams from regional clubs and international sides come together in a celebration of rugby, beach events and social competition. Wikipedia

 How to Watch Rugby League Nines 2026

One of the biggest questions for fans is how to watch Rugby League Nines fixtures — whether you’re at home or on the go.

 WatchNRL (International Streaming Service)

• If you live outside Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, WatchNRL is one of the most reliable ways to stream NRL‑sanctioned Rugby League 9s and related events live and on demand. This service is available on web browsers, iOS/Android apps, and can be cast to TVs with Chromecast or AirPlay. National Rugby League

• WatchNRL frequently carries NRL fan festival content — including 9s showcase matches — allowing fans worldwide to follow the action closely.

How to watch:

1. Visit the WatchNRL.com website or download the app.

2. Subscribe to a weekly or monthly plan if needed.

3. Search for Rugby League 9s matches in the live or on‑demand schedule.

 SuperSport & Local Broadcasters

In regions where Rugby League has a strong broadcast presence — like Australia, the UK and parts of Europe — major sports networks often include 9s competition coverage as part of their rugby league programming. Keep an eye on schedules from networks like Sky Sports, Fox Sports, and local partners for Rugby League Nines broadcasts.

YouTube & Social Media Highlights

During each festival, official event channels and rugby league clubs frequently upload highlights, best tries, and commentary clips to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. While these aren’t full match streams, they’re excellent for catching key moments from the Rugby League 9s schedule if you can’t watch live.

 What Makes Rugby League Nines Special?

⚡ Faster Pace, More Scoring

With two fewer players per side and more space on the field, Rugby League 9s games are usually high scoring and action‑packed. Tries can come in rapid succession, and match outcomes often hinge on small mistakes — making every minute feel like the final minute.

Global Growth of 9s Format

The popularity of Rugby League 9s continues to spread internationally. From the Gold Coast to Las Vegas, and into Europe with events like the Benidorm Bash, this format is becoming a staple in expanding rugby league’s footprint and inviting new fans into the sport.

Festival Atmosphere

Most Rugby League 9s tournaments are more than just a series of matches — they’re fan festivals. Expect live music, food vendors, kids activities and a party atmosphere that makes these events great for families and casual spectators.