R360 – Everything We Know So Far

If you think rugby is about to stay the same, think again. R360 is being billed as the sport’s biggest shake-up in decades — a bold, franchise-based model designed to bring the spectacle of rugby to mega-cities around the world and to transform the way fans engage with the game. But the buzz has been matched by controversy, with unions, players, broadcasters, and fans debating whether this new era is innovation or disruption. Here’s everything we know so far…

What is R360?

R360 (Rugby360) is rugby’s most ambitious new project — a global franchise league aiming to reinvent the sport. But with fierce opposition from unions and uncertainty over funding, its future hangs in the balance. The concept brings together the world’s best male and female players in a franchise-based league that will travel across major global cities — from London and Lisbon to Miami and Tokyo — showcasing rugby in new markets and on new stages.

At its core, R360 aims to transform the game’s global reach and sustainability. The league promises to inject significant private investment into a sport that has faced mounting financial pressures at the domestic level, while also placing renewed focus on player welfare, innovation, and fan engagement. With a format built around entertainment, athleticism, and accessibility, R360 seeks to make rugby faster, fresher, and more inclusive — positioning it for a new generation of supporters around the world.

What is the vision for the R360 League?

Fronted by England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall, R360 is envisioned as a globe-trotting, “grand prix”-style tournament running across major cities. Mike Tindall has described R360 as a response to club rugby’s inability to match the interest and investment in the international game. Tindall said “Clubs around the world are feeling the strain and are being propped up by the international game”; implying that he is warning that rugby’s lack of innovation risks alienating younger audiences. A statement from a R360 spokesperson said:

R360 is designed to help to grow the game we love, put player welfare and safety to the fore, connect with the hundreds of millions of fans who follow international rugby but don’t currently engage with club competitions, and inspire a whole new generation of fans and players

R360’s ambitions are bold. The project proposes a new era of rugby built around 12 global franchises — eight men’s teams and four women’s — competing across a short, intense season that could kick off as early as October 2026.

National Rugby Unions Statement

National Rugby Unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy have issued a joint statement.

The joint statement from the national unions voiced serious concern over R360’s plans, warning that while innovation is welcome, the new league risks dividing rather than strengthening rugby. They criticised its profit-focused model, lack of clarity on player welfare and scheduling, and failure to engage with governing bodies. The unions concluded that any player joining R360 would be ineligible for international selection, arguing that the project threatens the stability of rugby’s global ecosystem.

They have said:

As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition

Players face ban from Test rugby should they join breakaway R360 league

All 8 National Rugby Unions: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy have heavily urged that any of their players who sign a conditional contract for R360 will be banned from playing for their country. Wales and Argentina are the only Tier 1 nations not included on the statement. In their joint statement they said:

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

Finance & Investment

According to Sky News, R360 has already secured early financial backing from 885 Capital, an investment firm led by Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani — both previously involved in projects like the Baller League and the Professional Fighters League. Other notable investors reportedly include Martin Gilbert, chairman of Revolut, alongside Albachiara, a sports-focused advisory and investment group. While the exact figures haven’t been disclosed, industry insiders suggest the project will require tens of millions of pounds to fund player contracts, logistics, and global marketing in its opening phase.

Sky News reports that Mike Tindall has told players that full funding is already secured, though not all financial backers have been publicly identified.

However, optimism isn’t universal. Critics, including some within broadcasting circles, have described the venture as “overly ambitious,” questioning whether a brand-new, franchise-based league can generate the viewership and loyalty needed to sustain itself (The Guardian). With no existing fan bases or proven revenue streams, many in the industry see R360 as a fascinating but high-risk experiment.

Player Perspectives

Reactions from players have been cautious. England’s Henry Slade acknowledged that the project sounds “exciting” but made it clear that international rugby remains his priority:

A rugby player’s career is short — you think of your family, the finances — but playing for England? Unbelievable

Many share that sentiment. For younger players still building Test careers, the potential financial upside doesn’t outweigh the risk of losing national honours. The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) said in their statement in response to R360, that they are advising players to speak to legal advisor before signing any contracts:

Players are encouraged to speak to their player association or, where no player association exists, directly to IRPA or a legal advisor, prior to signing any contract pertaining to the competition

Timeline and Challenges Ahead

R360 was originally expected to debut in 2025, but the launch has been delayed to October 2026 after organisers withdrew their initial application to World Rugby. The governing body requested more detail on areas such as player welfare, medical governance and venue logistics before granting approval. Key aspects including franchise ownership, sponsorship and broadcast rights are still being finalised, and no official broadcaster has yet been confirmed.

With the Rugby World Cup 2027 on the horizon, questions also remain about how R360’s season will fit around international fixtures. Despite these hurdles, co-founder Mike Tindall remains confident that the project can reshape rugby’s future if it can overcome its growing list of logistical and regulatory challenges.

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