Eddie Hearn Criticizes Rugby League for Lack of Star Promotion and Participation

Eddie Hearn, the renowned boxing promoter, has recently highlighted a major issue plaguing the world of Rugby League – the lack of promotion of its stars. Hearn, who has successfully transformed boxing into a mainstream sport with the rise of Anthony Joshua, believes that Rugby League is falling behind due to its failure to market its players effectively.

In a recent interview on The Sports Agent podcast, Hearn expressed his concerns about the lack of recognition for Rugby League players compared to other sports. He pointed out that while boxing and rugby league share similar values such as discipline, respect, and teamwork, the latter is struggling to create household names that can attract a wider audience.

Hearn emphasized the importance of promoting star players in order to increase participation and commercial success in the sport. He cited the example of Anthony Joshua, whose meteoric rise to fame was not just due to his talent but also the strategic marketing efforts of Matchroom Promotions.

The boxing promoter also highlighted the need for rugby league to invest in creating ambassadors and superstars who can capture the public’s imagination. He noted that the lack of mainstream knowledge around rugby league players is hindering the growth of the sport and called for a more proactive approach to promoting its stars.

While there have been some improvements in the marketing of Rugby League, such as the recent TV deal with IMG, Hearn believes that more needs to be done to elevate the profile of the players. Just as boxing fans were captivated by Anthony Joshua’s journey to becoming a world champion, rugby league fans need to be engaged with the stories and development of their star players to drive the sport forward.

In conclusion, Eddie Hearn’s insights shed light on the challenges facing Rugby League and the urgent need for a concerted effort to promote its stars and attract a wider audience. Only by investing in the marketing and promotion of its players can Rugby League hope to reach its full potential and secure a lasting place in the world of sports.