Seven is expanding its rugby league offering in 2027, securing exclusive broadcast rights to a new charity match featuring some of the code’s biggest former stars.
Announced during last night’s Rugby League World Cup final, the inaugural League Legends Game will reignite the rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales while raising funds for Lifeline.
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Rugby League’s greatest players will take to the field for a landmark night of footy in the inaugural rebel League Legends Game powered by adidas supporting Lifeline on Sunday, 21 February 2027, airing in prime-time exclusively on Seven and 7plus.
Announced in Sunday’s Rugby League World Cup Final, the highly anticipated charity match will see former players come together at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium to represent their home state of New South Wales or Queensland.
The rebel League Legends Game, managed by Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), is set to become a marquee event on the Rugby League calendar. The match celebrates the code’s rich legacy while supporting Lifeline by raising vital funds and awareness for the national crisis support and suicide prevention service.
Southern Cross Media Group Director of Sport – TV, Audio and Streaming, Chris Jones, said:
“Following the enormous success of the Rugby League World Cup, one thing is certain – we’re not done with rugby league on Seven.
“We can’t wait to build on the momentum from a record-breaking Rugby League World Cup with the rebel League Legends Game, as we bring together a group of the game’s biggest names and most-loved personalities for a night of hard-fought competition and plenty of laughs,” he said.
“What we’ve seen from the return of the AFL Legends Game for Prostate Cancer – and soon, the T20 Gold Clash in Cairns – is that Australian viewers love seeing their favourite stars of yesteryear back in action for a prime-time sporting spectacle.”
“We’re excited to bring that same magic to rugby league, while supporting the incredibly important work of Lifeline and raising funds to help save lives.”
The rebel League Legends Game is the latest addition to Seven’s growing suite of Legends games, with the next instalment set to be broadcast live and free when the T20 Gold Clash brings together some of the biggest names in Australian sport.
The T20 Gold Clash will see a team of football legends take on a team of cricket greats in a blockbuster showdown at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns. Featuring an incredible line-up including Matthew Hayden, Usman Khawaja, Dustin Martin, Gary Ablett Jr, Johnathan Thurston, Nick Riewoldt and more, the match will combine sporting rivalry, entertainment and plenty of laughs, with all the action live and free on Seven and 7plus from 7.00pm on Sunday, 22 November.
Seven’s broadcast of the AFL Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer reached 2.38 million Australians on Seven and 7plus and helped raise more than $1.1 million dollars for prostate cancer research.
SEG Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said:
“The AFL Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer has demonstrated the incredible impact sport can have when it brings people together for a great cause, and we’re excited to build on that success with rugby league.”
“Rugby league has a passionate community and a rich history of legends who continue to inspire fans long after their playing careers. This event will celebrate those personalities while making a meaningful contribution to Lifeline and the important work it does for Australians.”
“With a date and venue now confirmed, we’re looking forward to working with our partners, broadcasters and the rugby league community to create an event that entertains fans and delivers real outcomes for people who need support.”
Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services through its national telephone, text and online channels. The organisation receives thousands of requests for support every day from people seeking help during difficult times.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
