Overview

• England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia issued a coordinated statement making clear they will not select R360 participants for international duty.
• The unions say R360 has not explained how it would manage player welfare or coexist with domestic and international schedules, warning of damage to the sport’s wider ecosystem.
• The International Rugby Players Association advised players to seek legal counsel before signing, noting the competition does not currently have World Rugby regulatory approval.
• R360 says it has agreements with close to 200 men’s players and has approached leading women’s players, with a proposed launch in October 2026 on a franchise, touring model.
• Wales supported the concerns while reserving the right not to select R360 players, and R360’s public backers include Mike Tindall with funding claimed but no World Rugby ratification.