Rugby’s leading nations have issued a united front against the proposed breakaway R360 league, announcing that any player who joins the competition will be banned from international duty.
England, New Zealand, Ireland, and France—nations that traditionally only select players from their domestic leagues—were joined by Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Italy in the blanket ban. The collective move aims to deter players from signing up for the globe-trotting R360, which is set to launch in October 2026.
“As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition,” a joint statement read. “Participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
The unions expressed concern over the new league’s lack of engagement and its potential to “fragment or weaken” the sport, citing uncertainty around player welfare, scheduling, and its impact on grassroots development.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), though not a signatory due to an ongoing consultation, voiced its support for the statement and hinted at reviewing its own selection rules.
R360 organisers responded by insisting they aim to complement, not compete with, existing rugby structures. “Our philosophy is clear—if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?” the group said.
The R360 league, which promises lucrative contracts and a reduced playing schedule, has reportedly secured agreements with nearly 200 men’s players and plans to launch a women’s competition in parallel.
However, the ban from Test rugby now casts significant doubt on its viability, raising the prospect that R360 may proceed without World Rugby ratification as a rebel tournament.
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