Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has issued a grave warning about the proposed R360 rebel league, stating it would deliver a "major blow" to the Gallagher Premiership and potentially dismantle English rugby's entire financial structure.
Threat to Rugby's Ecosystem
Baxter expressed serious concerns that the breakaway competition, backed by private equity, could fundamentally undermine the Premiership and the Rugby Football Union's revenue streams. The seasoned coach emphasised how interconnected the sport's ecosystem truly is.
"People have to understand that if the R360 competition comes in and takes a lot of the financial resource and the media coverage, it's a major blow to the Premiership and the RFU," Baxter stated.
Financial Domino Effect
The potential consequences extend far beyond just the elite level of the game. Baxter highlighted how revenue generated at the top filters down to support rugby at all levels across England.
"The RFU's financial model is based on the England team and the Premiership being successful and driving interest," he explained. "If you take a huge financial resource away from that, it affects everything below."
Grassroots Rugby at Risk
Perhaps most alarmingly, Baxter warned that community and grassroots rugby could become collateral damage in any power struggle between established competitions and new ventures.
"The money that comes into the RFU from the professional game supports the community game," Baxter noted. "If that financial model is broken, the whole system could collapse."
A Call for Careful Consideration
While acknowledging the appeal of innovation and new investment in rugby, Baxter urged stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of supporting breakaway competitions that might operate outside traditional structures.
The Exeter chief's comments come amid growing speculation about the R360 league's potential launch and its aim to attract top clubs and players with significant financial incentives.
