IRFU's firm stance on R360: Players joining rebel rugby league to face international ban
The IRFU has issued a joint statement with other top rugby associations, including England, South Africa, and New Zealand, warning that players will be banned from international rugby if they join the R360 competition
The IRFU has issued a stern warning that players will be prohibited from participating in international rugby if they choose to join the rebel R360 competition.
In a strongly worded statement, the IRFU, in collaboration with several leading associations including England, South Africa, and New Zealand, made it unequivocally clear that any player involved in the competition would be deemed ineligible for international selection.
R360 aspires to mirror the IPL and LIV Golf by establishing a global superstar league, with some details now coming to light.
Here's what we know about R360 so far.
Who is behind it?
World Cup champion and English rugby legend Mike Tindall is a co-founder of R360. Other notable figures reportedly involved include John Loffhagen, who served as a lawyer in the LIV Golf set up.
What exactly is it?
The competition will comprise 12 teams in total, eight men's and four women's, with a long-term vision for a 16-game season.
Each team or franchise will be associated with a specific city, with initial plans to host game weeks worldwide, akin to Formula One or LIV Golf.
When does it start?
Plans are in place for R360 to commence in October 2026. The inaugural season would feature 10 teams in total (six men's and four women's), spanning six rounds.
The second season would extend to 12 game weeks, running from April to September, while the third season would see 16 game weeks within the same timeframe.
Initial plans suggest players will be chosen via a draft system.
What sort of money is involved?
The league is supported by several private investors and is not a venture backed by the Saudi PIF. While no salaries have been finalised, contracts would need to significantly surpass players' current deals to entice them to move.
Only a select few professional rugby players are thought to earn annual salaries in the seven-figure range, and it's this kind of money that would be required to draw in the big names.
Will we see any star players signing up?
Despite similarities between R360 and LIV Golf, it's difficult to imagine the same level of success given the united stance taken by top associations. A switch to R360 would mean top players giving up the chance to represent their country at the 2027 World Cup.
Reports from Down Under suggest that a number of NRL players are poised to join the league.
Could any Irish players sign up?
It's tough to predict, but don't anticipate any regular starters for the international team to depart. However, if an astronomical sum is offered to a peripheral player or someone from each of the four provinces, don't be shocked if some familiar faces decide to join.
As of now, there have been no reports of any Irish players joining.