R360 League Faces Opposition from Major Rugby Unions

The proposed R360 league, spearheaded by former England centre Mike Tindall, is set to launch in October 2024. However, the initiative faces significant pushback from national rugby unions across several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and Italy. These unions have issued a joint statement expressing their deep concerns regarding the potential implications of R360 for the sport.

In a rare collaborative effort, the unions stated, “As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.” They emphasized the importance of international rugby as a vital financial and cultural foundation for the sport, stating that undermining this ecosystem could be “enormously harmful to the health of our sport.”

The unions have made it clear that any players participating in R360 would become ineligible for international selection. They pointed out that R360 has not provided adequate information regarding player welfare, the pathways for players to represent their nations, or how the league would fit into existing international and domestic schedules. The unions expressed concern that the R360 model appears to prioritize profit for a select few rather than the broader welfare of the sport.

Organisers of R360 claim to have secured agreements with nearly 200 players. However, according to New Zealand Rugby, there are currently no All Blacks or Black Ferns who have signed non-binding agreements with the league. The NZR’s policy requires players to be contracted with the governing body and to play in New Zealand to be eligible for national teams.

R360 aims to establish a competitive structure featuring eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, competing in a condensed season through ‘grand prix’ style events around the world. In light of the concerns raised, the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) has advised its members to exercise caution, urging them to consult their player association or legal advisors before signing any contracts with the new league. The IRPA stated that detailed information about the competition remains outstanding and that it does not currently possess regulatory approval from World Rugby.

In response to the unions’ joint statement, R360 highlighted the need for innovative opportunities to grow rugby. “So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick-off next year,” the organisation stated. They asserted that player welfare is a priority, claiming that their global series is designed to reduce player load while attracting a new generation of fans.

R360 expressed its commitment to collaborating with the existing rugby calendar, stating that it plans to provide bespoke schedules for both men’s and women’s teams. The league further emphasized that all players would be released for international matches as stipulated in their contracts. R360’s philosophy is clear: “If players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?”

As the landscape of rugby continues to evolve, the upcoming months will be crucial for both R360 and the unions, as they navigate the complexities of player eligibility and the future of the sport. R360 has indicated plans to submit its proposal for sanctioning to the World Rugby Council in the summer of 2024.