Rugby league in England | |
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![]() Leigh Leopards lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium for the first time in over 50 years. | |
Country | England |
Governing body | Rugby Football League |
National team(s) | England |
First played | 1895 |
Registered players | 248,645[1] |
National competitions | |
Club competitions | |
Rugby league is played across England but is most popular in Northern England, especially Yorkshire and Lancashire where the game originated. These areas are the heartland of rugby league. The sport is also popular in Cumbria where the amateur game is particularly powerful.[2]