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Lions Bar R360 Players From 2027 Women’s Tour to New Zealand

The touring side says the step protects calendar certainty alongside player welfare.

Overview

  • Eligibility is restricted specifically to the inaugural women’s tour in 2027, with no explicit extension to future men’s tours.
  • England, Ireland, Scotland and other leading unions have already declared R360 recruits ineligible for Test selection, with Wales expressing support in principle.
  • R360, a proposed franchise league fronted by Mike Tindall, is targeting a 2026 launch but lacks World Rugby sanction and has yet to announce teams, players or venues.
  • Media reports say leading women’s players, including members of England’s Red Roses, have been approached, though RFU chief Bill Sweeney says he is unaware of any confirmed signings.
  • The National Rugby League has warned that rugby-league players who join R360 could face a 10-year ban from its competition.