Rugby 24 Release Date Update, Heading to Steam Early Access

After being delayed from September 2023, Rugby 24, the next instalment in the Rugby sports sim franchise, will hit Steam Early Access in March 2024, according to the developer.

Concerns about whether the game would be released or not on its 30 January 2024 release date stemmed from the lack of screenshots, information, or any gameplay video of the incoming entry. With less than a week out from release, Big Ant Studios and publisher Nacon confirmed that the game will be delayed further into 2024.

Here is the official release from Big Ant Studios:

French publisher Nacon initially announced Rugby 24 back in March 2023 and was accompanied by a short trailer.

Rugby 24 will feature 130 teams to choose from, as well as the URC, Top 14 and PRO D2 competition and participating clubs. Furthermore, it will include the Rugby World Cup 2023 license, allowing you to play through the global tournament.

Rugby 22 released in January 2022, and was developed by Eko Software. The game itself was a solid attempt at a pure and accessible rugby sim, despite some shortcomings (you can check out our review of Rugby 22 for more information). If Big Ant Studios can leverage the foundations there, while bringing their vast experience and mechanics from Rugby League Live, we’re in for a promising project.

Rugby 24 will now release on Steam Early Access in March 2024 before the full release launches on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.