X-League (Cross-League) is a new Social RL offer with limited contact for skill improvement and a steppingstone into and out of full contact Rugby League. X-League is aimed at broadening participation across different ages and genders regardless of fitness levels and experience.

The game is played like Rugby League, but the key difference is the tackle is affected by the defender making a touch on the ball. X-League has both competitive and social elements, that delivery partners can vary and control to meet their player’s needs.

X-League is traditionally a 7-a-side game, with a 60m x 40m pitch dimension and 13-minute games with no halftime. The number of players, pitch sizes and duration of games can vary to suit the target audience/event.

Tackles are made by a defender touching the ball whilst the attacker is in possession. The ball carrier can fend off and protect the ball, however they cannot deliberately change the momentum of others by pushing, pulling, barging or carry the ball above head height. Tries are scored in two ways:

• By placing the ball down on or over the try line.
• When the ball carrier gets both feet in the in-goal.

X-League has two modes of refereeing. In a competitive situation, games can be controlled by a single referee. In a social setting ‘Captains’ agreement’ is the second method of officiating.

Please see the full rule document at the bottom of this page for further details.