On Sunday 1 March, teams from across the country made their way to Manchester to officially launch their 2026 season at a media day held at the Rugby Football League and England Rugby League’s headquarters.
Under a brand-new structure and framework, the NCRL 2026 men’s open age season begins next weekend. The opening round of fixtures has been branded “The Ignition Point" with some mouth-watering local derbies.
Built on history and commitment, the National League is set for a highly anticipated and competitive season – symbolising the continued strength and ambition of community Rugby League.
A defining moment at the National League's media day was the BARLA National Cup draw. The draw was drawn by Thatto Heath’s Kye Siyani and Peter Eccles and was presented by RFL Match Officials Recruitment & Development Manager and former Super League Referee Ben Thaler.
2026 BARLA National Cup draw results:
Qualifying round – May 2nd
Ellenborough v Siddal
Ince Rose Bridge v Clock Face Miners
Hunslet ARLFC v Wath Brow Hornets
Oulton Raiders v Bentley
Featherstone Lions v Oldham St Annes
Moldgreen v Thatto Heath Crusaders
First round draw – May 23rd
Thornhill Trojans v Pilkington Recs
Distington v Woolston Rovers
Hammersmith Hill Hoists v Oulton Raiders or Bentley
Brentwood Eels v Stainland Stags
Rochdale Mayfield v Leigh East
Normanton Knights v Ellenborough or Siddal
West Hull v Stanley Rangers
Hull Dockers v Heworth
Hensingham v Featherstone Lions or Oldham St Annes
Milford v Leigh Miners
Barrow Island v Hunslet or Wath Brow Hornets
Ince Rose Bridge or Clock Face Miners v Blackbrook
Orrell St James v Ashton Bears
Fryston Warriors v Crosfields
Millom v Moldgreen or Thatto Heath
Skirlaugh v Bristol All Golds
Thatto Heath’s Kye Siyani said: “It has been great to be invited to the 2026 National League’s media day. Coming here and seeing what’s been prepared for us just shows how much the sport has grown all the way to amateur and community Rugby League. It really gives a valuable feel, and it’s great to get the word out there because Rugby League is such a great sport.”
“At Thatto Heath, we look forward to competing under the new structure this season. With more local teams and rivalries, the framework brings back the fire in the game, especially at the amateur level.”
Marc Lovering, RFL Director of Performance and Development, said:
“At the RFL, we were delighted to welcome teams and media partners from across the country to the 2026 National Cup Draw and media day.”
“The 2026 season promises incredible competition, meaningful opportunities for progression, and a platform for clubs to showcase the very best of our sport.”
“There has obviously a lot of focus around the changes we have made to the competition structure. Part of those changes included embedding and reigniting the National Cup. It is great that we have been able to do that but also ensure that BARLA, with all the associated tradition remains as a key part of the new structure. We are looking forward to working with colleagues from BARLA and across the wider game throughout what I am sure will be an exciting season. Good luck to all teams participating in the 2026 season.”
In addition to the National Cup, clubs will also compete for a supplementary knockout trophy, the 1973 Cup. The name recognises the formation of the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) in 1973 and honours more than fifty years of contribution to the community game. The 1973 Cup ensures that BARLA’s heritage remains central to the structure, while providing additional competitive opportunities for clubs.
Sue Taylor MBE, Chair of BARLA, said:
“The National Cup has been at the heart of the community game since 1973, providing clubs with a prestigious and aspirational competition for over five decades.
The introduction of the 1973 Cup within this structure allows us to formally recognise BARLA’s formation and the foundations that have shaped the amateur game. Together, the National Cup and the 1973 Cup represent both the strength of our history and our continued commitment to meaningful competition for clubs across the country.”
More information on the launch of the 2026 season will follow later this week.
