LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The proposed rebel rugby competition R360 has announced that its inaugural season will be delayed until 2028.
Initially scheduled to launch in 2026, the R360 board explained that the postponement aims to secure "stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty, and a significantly more favourable environment for players, fans, partners and the broader rugby community."
According to the statement, "This decision will provide the necessary runway to strengthen R360's credibility, continue collaborative discussions and partnerships with rugby's stakeholders, and position the league to launch at full scale with maximum global impact from the outset."
The 2028 launch is viewed as a strategic move to enter the sports market with optimal commercial and market conditions.
R360 has been associated with several NRL players, including Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who have both secured early releases from their contracts with Parramatta and Melbourne since the season concluded.
R360 acknowledged the potential disappointment within the player community, stating, "No doubt today's news will create a level of disappointment amongst the player pool, but we're determined to launch in 2028 with a product players will fully support."
Despite much speculation in the past year surrounding the league's intentions to recruit NRL and NRLW players with lucrative offers, specific details have been scarce.