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Sport Nation
Ban threat to players considering R360 defection
SEN • October 8th, 2025 11:26 am
Players considering a defection to the rebel R360 league have been told they will not be eligible for international selection in a unified statement by rugby unions from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy.
At least 12 NRL players have been linked with a move to the league which is offering seven-figure salaries in a “Formula 1 style” global competition.
The league, backed by former England centre Mike Tindall, is hoping to establish eight men’s franchises and four women’s in 2026.
"As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition," the unions said in a rare joint statement on Tuesday.
"International rugby and our major competitions remain the financial and cultural engine that sustains every level of the game — from grassroots participation to elite performance.
"Undermining that ecosystem could be enormously harmful to the health of our sport.
"Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men's and women's players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
The rugby unions do not feel like the R360 league has given sufficient information about how it plans to handle player welfare or accommodating international obligations.
A spokesperson from R360 was quick to respond.
"It's not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we've seen throughout history, it's essential for any sport to grow," a statement said.
"Our philosophy is clear — if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?"
