Overview

• Len Ikitau said he would reject an R360 contract if it cost him the chance to play for Australia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
• The 27-year-old Wallabies centre has joined Exeter Chiefs on a one-season deal after leaving the Brumbies and says his representatives were approached by R360.
• R360, fronted by Mike Tindall, is a proposed 12-franchise global tournament with eight men’s teams and four women’s teams targeting a launch next October.
• Major unions, including Rugby Australia, announced this week that players who sign with R360 will not be selected for international duty.
• Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter warned the breakaway league would weaken the Premiership and questioned its travel demands and medical infrastructure.