Overview

• England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa issued a joint warning covering men’s and women’s players.
• The unions cited unresolved questions on player welfare, eligibility pathways and how the series would fit an already congested calendar.
• IRPA reiterated that detailed information is outstanding and noted the competition currently has no World Rugby regulatory approval.
• R360 said it wants to collaborate, claimed its format reduces player load, and maintained players should still be able to represent their countries.
• Organisers are targeting a 2026 launch with plans for eight men’s and four women’s teams and say close to 200 men have pre‑agreements, while Wales’ union reserved its selection stance and Argentina and Fiji were not signatories.