Major Rugby Unions Bar Players from International Selection in New League

The rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and Italy have announced that players joining the R360 global franchise league will be ineligible for international selection. This decision, communicated through a joint statement on October 3, 2023, reflects a unified stance against the new league, which is set to launch in 2026 and is backed by former England centre Mike Tindall.

The R360 league aims to attract top rugby union and league players with lucrative offers. However, the national unions express serious concerns about the potential impact on the sport. They emphasized the importance of international rugby, stating it serves as the “financial and cultural engine” that supports every level of the game, from grassroots participation to elite performance.

In their statement, the unions cautioned players and support staff considering joining R360, highlighting the risks involved. “Undermining that ecosystem could be enormously harmful to the health of our sport,” they stated, stressing that the league has not addressed critical issues such as player welfare, national representation, or compatibility with existing domestic and international schedules.

The unions further criticized the R360 model, suggesting it is designed primarily for profit, benefiting a small elite rather than the broader rugby community. They noted that the league’s organizers had not engaged with all unions to clarify their business and operational plans, raising further concerns.

Consequently, the national unions are advising both men’s and women’s players that participation in the R360 competition would render them ineligible for international rugby selection. This move aims to protect the integrity of the sport and its existing frameworks.

The R360 league plans to establish eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, competing in a condensed season format with ‘grand prix’ style events held globally. The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) has also urged its members to exercise caution regarding the new league. In a statement, the IRPA advised players to consult their player association, the IRPA, or a legal advisor before signing any contracts related to R360.

The IRPA emphasized that detailed information about the competition remains outstanding and noted that it currently lacks regulatory approval from World Rugby. As discussions continue, the future of the R360 league and its implications for rugby players worldwide remains uncertain.