Top 5 Memorable Rugby Converts

There's not really any other parallel in sports. Most professional leagues have a very strong dominance over the other. Take the NFL, for example. Yes, there are the CFL and semi-pro leagues, but they are nowhere near as popular. Plus, they are fundamentally quite similar.

But with rugby, things are much different. You have a pretty interesting history of rugby union players who have made the jump to rugby league and then have gone on to have impressive careers.

Here are five of our favorites who have made that jump, along with a few tips at the end for how to make the most out of your rugby watching experience.

1. Jason Robinson

Many consider Jason Robinson not just to be an incredible rugby league convert, but one of the best union players in history.

He has incredible speed matched with great strength, which took him to victory in Five English league titles, three Challenge Cups, and even a World Cup Challenge.

He'd go on to have 56 test appearances and 30 tries in the league after an already extensive career in the union. All we have to say is, wow!

2. Israel Folau

Who would have thought that the world's best fullback would have originated in the league? He has just been dominant ever since.

His first test in the British and Irish Lion series was incredible, putting up two successful tires. Yes, unfortunately, his team lost that night, but it would have been a dreadful performance without him.

Since then, he's shattered defense, scrambled high balls, and scored countless tries. Best of all, at just 31, we expect a few more years of great play from him.

3. Brad Thorn

Brad Thorn was an absolute legend in the league. He pulled back-to-back State of Origin victories with Queensland and eight tests between 1994-200 for Australia.

In 2001, it was unbelievable when he made the jump and began to replicate his success. He even earned a spot on the All Blacks.

After some challenges, he eventually managed to pull off multiple Grand Slam, Super Rugby titles, and even a Rugby World Cup medal. What a legend!

4. Sonny Bill Williams

Between Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams, it's extremely difficult to choose who was the best cross-code athlete.

After an incredible 73 appearances in the NRL, he made his debut in the union with his trademark shoulder charge.

Over the past decade, he has been to World Cups, Super Rugby crowns, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and multiple performances across both codes.

5. Lesley Vainikolo

Lesly Vainikolo will likely be remembered mostly for his league career, which is unfortunate because he was an excellent cross-code athlete.

On his debut for Gloucester in September 2007, he scored five tries! He also went on to play in France, reaching their highest competition levels.

He didn't quite reach the same heights, but one can only wonder how far he would have gone if he had transferred when he was a little bit younger.

Enjoy the Best of Rugby This Year

We've seen a lot of ups and downs over the past year. The worst of it was the suspension of not just rugby but all sports leagues for a few months.

Fortunately, the 2021 season is set to kick off in earnest in no time. That gives you just enough time to get yourself ready.

And we have a little advice to make sure you have the perfect viewing experience. No matter where you are in the world, you need a VPN. Why?

With a VPN or virtual private network, you can change your virtual location to just about anywhere in their world. That means you can select an Australian, UK, or even French server to pick up local, free, and HD streams. Here's the best part—and it's legal!

That's why sports fans across the board love VPNs. Whether you want to watch Premier League Soccer, the NBA, or anything else, they are the best tools to have in your wheelhouse.

While you're at it, it's time to upgrade your sound.  Many of us won't be able to watch games in person for a while. The best way to recreate the stadium experience is by having a great sound system. The benefit is you can use it for rugby, movies, or anything else you watch.

Rugby 2021 is just about to kick off. Whether you're a league, union, or any other fan, arm yourself with these tools to maximize your rugby experience now.