LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby's rebel league, known as R360, is generating considerable attention as reports suggest it has secured three years of funding ahead of its anticipated launch in 2026. However, the league faces challenges, particularly after major rugby unions announced that players participating in the rebel league would lose eligibility for their national teams. This decision effectively excludes them from the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau has indicated that he is unlikely to join R360 if it jeopardizes his chance to compete in a home World Cup. Similarly, England fly-half and Northampton player expressed that aligning with R360 was never part of his plans after re-signing with his club, although he acknowledges the allure of the financial incentives for other players.
He stated, "[My agent] knew my priority was to stay in England and give myself a chance to play for my country and hopefully go to a World Cup. Most players, when they finish with their contracts, there are options but I was pretty clear from the start I wanted to stay in England and I'm really happy with my decision to stay with Northampton."
The breakaway league is backed by prominent figures, including former England centre Mike Tindall, Bath executive Stuart Hooper, and Mark Spoors from the US sports marketing agency Wasserman, along with former LIV Golf attorney John Loffhagen. The vision for R360 is to create a competition that surpasses traditional club rugby.
R360 plans to feature eight men's teams and four women's teams, participating in a streamlined season format. The competition will occur globally, utilizing a 'grand prix' style for its 16-game series.