Overview

• R360 has secured 150–160 binding precontracts and must sign 200 men’s players by October 1 to unlock investor funding
• Mike Tindall’s franchise league aims to stage a 2026 pilot before launching a 16-round global competition from March to September 2027 under Regulation 9 release windows
• World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has insisted that any new league must observe Regulation 9 international player release windows
• Rugby Australia has abolished the Giteau Law, removing caps on overseas-based Wallabies and expanding selection options for coach Joe Schmidt
• The 2025 Rugby Championship kicks off next weekend, with South Africa defending its title under the new player-eligibility framework