The wait is nearly over. Rugby League 26 will launch on 17 July 2025 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, marking the return of the NRL and Super League to consoles. Developed by Big Ant Studios, this new entry looks to raise the bar for rugby games with overhauled visuals, new modes, and fully licensed competitions from both hemispheres.
This is the first Rugby League title in several years, and it’s arriving with a strong feature set out of the gate. Players can expect modern presentation, realistic player animations, updated gameplay systems, and detailed recreations of clubs and stadiums from the NRL, Super League, and beyond. It’s also being built with next-gen consoles in mind, so Series X players should expect a solid visual upgrade.
Super League and WSL Fully Represented
All teams and players from the 2025 Super League and Women’s Super League are included, with the latter receiving full photogrammetry scans for the first time. That means players in the WSL will appear in the game with the same high level of visual accuracy as their male counterparts, a first for the sport in any video game.
It’s a major step forward in terms of representation and one that aligns with the growing popularity of Women’s Rugby League globally. It also brings parity to how players and teams are presented across the sport, which should resonate with fans following both leagues week to week.
Pro Team, Career Mode, and Custom Tools
Big Ant is introducing a new Pro Team mode that lets you build your own squad from across the Rugby League world. It’s a bit like FIFA’s Ultimate Team but tailored to the sport’s structure, with customisation tools and unlockable content to shape your own ideal roster.
Also returning is a revamped Career Mode, along with deep creation tools for editing teams, players, and kits. Whether you’re here to play through a full season or just want to take your favourite club to glory in quick matches, there’s plenty of flexibility in how you play.
Coming Soon to Xbox
Rugby League 26 is available for pre-order now at retail. Digital Xbox pre-orders haven’t appeared on the Microsoft Store yet, but those are expected closer to release. There’s no word yet on Xbox Cloud Gaming support or a Game Pass launch, but we’ll update if that changes.
For fans of the sport, this is shaping up to be the most complete Rugby League package yet. Whether you’re following the Ashes, backing your club through the Super League season, or just looking to dive back into the action, July can’t come soon enough.
