USA will host Scotland in Las Vegas in an international triple header in the lead up to the NRL's 2026 season opener at Allegiant Stadium on March 1.
The NRL will kick off a third consecutive season in Las Vegas with a double-header in which the Bulldogs will face the Dragons and the Cowboys will meet the Knights. Super League heavyweights Hull KR and Leeds will also play.
An expanded Vegas Nines tournament will feature in the lead-up, along with men's, women's and youth internationals between USA Hawks and Scotland Bravehearts.
“We are both developing nations in rugby league terms, but there’s a deep connection here,” USARL chair Matt Goschnick said.
“More than 5.35 million people in the United States have Scottish ancestry, and in Las Vegas, 1.5% of residents share that heritage.
"This game is more than a contest - it’s about bringing the two cultures together and providing the best opportunities to not only challenge our players but also to grow our program. We are excited to do this in a triple-header format.”
The event marks a significant milestone in preparing all Hawks teams for future international campaigns, as USARL looks to finalise its 2026 international schedule in the coming months.
“This will be a great opportunity and test for our men’s, women’s and youth teams, as both sides look to build internationally. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Scotland Rugby League as we finalise further details.”
Scotland Rugby League co-chair Alistair McVicar said the Bravehearts were equally excited for the occasion.
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"We are very excited to send three teams over to America next February to play the USA Hawks, being part of the NRL and Super League's Festival of Rugby League in Las Vegas is an exciting opportunity for all of the Scotland players, coaches and management."
The announcement follows the conclusion of the USARL season with last weekend's National Championship final, which was won 34-18 by Brooklyn Kings over Jacksonville Axemen.
With the decider played at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville fans were hoping to see their side lift a fifth title in their milestone 20th season.
However, the home crowd was silenced early as Anthony Russo crossed twice for the Kings in the opening 10 minutes.
The Axemen responded before the break when Jason Martin finished a right-edge move to cut the deficit to 10–4 at halftime and they started the second half with renewed energy and they took the lead.
Ryan Bannerot exploited fatigued markers to score before a brilliant kick chase from James Williams set up Kyle McCollum to put Jacksonville ahead 12-10.
Brooklyn regrouped and strong runs from Tevita Bryce and Derek Lidscombe sparked a dominant 20-minute period in which the Kings piled on 24 unanswered points.
A late Jacksonville try added respectability to the scoreline, but Brooklyn ran out convincing winners and National Champions again six years after their first title.
Brooklyn head coach Matt Isherwood praised his team's resilience and their hard-fought journey back to the national championship, describing it as a long and grinding road since their last title.
Axemen coach Sean Rutgerson saw positives in a rookie-filled squad that promises a bright future for Jacksonville.
