Senior rugby figures believe the rebel R360 league is all but dead after leading unions issued a coordinated statement warning players that involvement would mean ineligibility for national teams. The venture, fronted by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, faces a struggle to get off the ground if top players must forfeit international careers.
The unions' statement followed the International Rugby Players Association's decision not to back the competition. R360 has still to be sanctioned by World Rugby, whose official application will not be heard until at least next June. Some pre-contract player agreements may have expired or are nearing deadlines.
Fin Smith, Northampton and England fly-half, said he sympathised with players tempted by money but never considered R360. 'My priority was to stay in England and give myself a chance to play for my country,' he said. World Rugby has previously stated any new competition must complement the existing calendar and preserve international rugby's sanctity.
The unions' statement highlighted the self-serving nature of R360, saying it 'appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out investment in community rugby.' The proposed league was meant to start next October with 12 teams in cities including London, Barcelona and Dubai.
The RFU expressed particular concern about implications for women's rugby, having invested millions in Premiership Women's Rugby and central contracts. The RFU said it 'cannot support this proposition.' Unions accept some players may choose R360 but insist they will bear no ill will, though missing the 2027 World Cup would be a significant trade-off.
