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Parker: R360 war makes rugby's future grim
Emily Benammar • October 8th, 2025 1:03 pm
Corey Parker fears the ban threat imposed on rugby union players should they defect to R360 will bring the international game to its knees with Australia set to host a World Cup in just two years.
Overnight, a joint statement from eight rugby unions was issued stating that players considering big-money offers from the rebel league would be ineligible for international selection.
It’s not the first time Australia has gone down the path of imposing geographical restrictions on players. Util 2015, in order to play for the Wallabies you had to play for a Super Rugby franchise.
The regulation was overturned later that year but a decade on, codes are being confronted by a new sporting landscape with big money on the table for superstars to play in new-look tournaments.
Parker fears that Rugby Australia and the other nations’ blanket ban could prove catastrophic for the code.
“If you’re a player and there’s a big monetary pull - what if they all go, well then what? Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“We’re talking all the countries (in the statement), if they all go to R360 - which needs 300+ players - for absurd amounts of money, then the international game falls on its knees does it not?
“Australia did the same, they banned players in Japan until they realised they needed their best players so they could compete on an international level.
“I’m putting my players hat on; if I’m presented a contract to play 360 which is too hard to refuse and if I go then the ripple effect follows. Now you’re saying I’m ineligible for international rugby? I know they need a stance but I’m not so sure about this.”
Australia is due to host the Rugby World cup in 2027 and the overnight ban threat presents a significant issue with how competitive the Wallabies stand to be in two years’ time.
“The reality is – and I’m not saying this happens - but all the top players from those nations go and the consortium of billionaires do pay these individuals considerable amounts of money, then the international game takes a massive hit,” Parker warned.
Rugby and league are not the only sports under the “threat” of new formats.
This week reports in the Age revealed Pat Cummins and Travis Head were each offered $10 million to walk away from their Australia contracts to play on the T20 circuit.
It’s no a new threat to international cricket but will send shockwaves through the domestic sport.
In 2028, Chris Lynn walked away from his Cricket Australia contract opting to play around the world.
“If Chris Lynn in cricket made good money without playing for Australia, then that’s what could happen here,” Parker said.
