On the eve of the Singapore Memerang’s historic trip for Manila to contest the 2025 Asian Championship, the Singapore Rugby League steering committee has today unveiled the first two foundation clubs for the inaugural Singapore National Rugby League (SG-NRL) competition that will take place next year: the Central Vipers and Eastern Hornbills.
The announcement comes as the national squad puts the final touches on their preparations for the Philippines, where they will face Japan, Hong Kong, and the host nation in their first-ever sanctioned international tournament. But while the Memerang focus on conquering Asia, the domestic game is laying firm roots at home for a blockbuster July 2026 kick-off.
Strike from the Heart: The Central Vipers
The Central Vipers, a team built to represent the beating heart of Singapore.
Drawing from the Central Area and its lush surroundings, the Vipers’ brand is aggressive and sharp. Their emblem is inspired by the Wagler’s Pit Viper, a venomous native predator commonly found in the treetops of the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah Nature Reserves.
The Vipers will look to mirror their namesake’s reputation; patient, calculated, and striking with lethal speed. Representing both the urban core and the jungle fringes, they promise to be a formidable force when the season begins.
Defending the East: The Eastern Hornbills
Representing the vibrant eastern corridor of the island, the Eastern Hornbills will serve as the flagship team for communities in Bedok, Tampines, Pasir Ris and the iconic Changi district.
Their identity is deeply rooted in the local ecology, with the logo featuring the Oriental Pied Hornbill; a resilient species that has made a famous comeback in the green spaces surrounding Changi Airport and Pulau Ubin.
A Summer of Rugby League in 2026
The inaugural SG-NRL competition is scheduled to run from July to August 2026, occupying a prime slot in the Singaporean sporting calendar.
Organisers confirmed that the Hornbills and Vipers are just the beginning, with the league set to feature at least 6 teams in its debut season. The remaining teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
Global Ambitions, Local Roots
The timing of the launch is no coincidence – as the Singapore Memerang fly the flag in Manila this week, the establishment of a structured domestic league provides a clear pathway for the next generation of national players.