R360: The Breakaway League Shaking Rugby to Its Core

A new force is threatening to redraw the global rugby map — and the sport’s traditional powerbrokers are scrambling to contain it. R360, a privately funded, franchise-style global rugby competition backed by former England centre Mike Tindall, has burst onto the scene with bold promises, big money, and a vision that challenges both rugby union and rugby league’s long-standing structures.

Backed by major investment and marketed as a sleek, F1-inspired global showcase, R360 aims to launch in late 2026, hosting eight men’s and four women’s teams in short, high-intensity tournaments around the world. Supporters hail it as a long-overdue modernisation of rugby. But its critics describe it as a commercial land-grab, one that risks tearing apart the sport’s fragile international ecosystem.

And now, as players begin to show interest — and rumours of early defections swirl — the battle lines are hardening.

Union Strikes First: “Play for R360 and You Play for Nobody But Them”

Rugby union’s response was swift, coordinated, and uncompromising.

In an unprecedented joint move, eight major rugby unions — including England, New Zealand, Australia, France, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy — declared that any player who signs with R360 will become ineligible for international selection.

The reasoning was blunt: the unions argue R360 is unsanctioned, unregulated, and could destroy the delicate balance of Test rugby and domestic competitions.

“Our responsibility is to protect international rugby, player welfare, and the integrity of the global game,” the joint statement read.“R360 is a private venture with no accountability to the world game.”

The International Rugby Players’ Association reinforced the warning, advising players to seek legal advice before even engaging in discussions.

The impact was immediate. George Ford, one of England’s most experienced fly-halves, reportedly turned down a £1 million-per-season R360 offer — choosing instead to keep his England career alive. But others have been less dismissive.

NRL Escalates the Conflict: A 10-Year Ban for League Rebels

If union’s stance was stern, rugby league’s was explosive.

The NRL and Australian Rugby League Commission, led by chairman Peter V’Landys, announced the harshest punishment so far: any player who signs with R360 will receive a 10-year ban from the NRL.Agents facilitating such moves would face the same sanction.

V’Landys called R360 a “counterfeit competition” and accused the organisers of trying to “poach without contributing to the grassroots game.”

The league’s show of strength has split opinion. Some see the ban as necessary protection of the sport; others view it as a sign of panic — a fear that the R360 chequebook might tempt some of its brightest stars.

The Rugby League Players’ Association has already hinted at potential legal challenges.

Peter V'Landys has his say on 7News Australia

Early Defections, Rumoured Signings, and a Growing Target List

Though R360 has not officially announced its inaugural squads, the first high-profile defection appears imminent.

Zac Lomax — The First Big Leap

Parramatta Eels centre Zac Lomax has been granted an early release from his NRL contract and is widely expected to be the first major name to join R360. His departure — just months after signing with the Eels — sent shockwaves through the league.

If confirmed, his move would trigger the NRL’s decade-long ban.

9 News on the Speculation surrounding Zac Lomax

Other Targets and Rumoured Talks

A number of star players in rugby league have been linked to preliminary discussions with R360, including:

• Payne Haas

• Ryan Papenhuyzen

• Cameron Munster

• Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

• Jye Gray

• Nathan Cleary

• Reece Walsh

Some within the NRL privately fear that a handful of major names — particularly younger stars with long playing windows and minimal national allegiance — could roll the dice.

Union stars are also being courted, though fewer are willing to risk losing Test honours in a World Cup cycle.

A Battle for the Future — and for Rugby’s Soul

The emergence of R360 has ignited existential questions for both codes.

• For union, the fear is fragmentation — losing star players to a league it cannot control, and watching the Test calendar unravel if enough defect.

• For league, the threat is commercial — losing elite talent to a financially powerful competitor outside its jurisdiction.

• For players, it presents something new: freedom from national unions, higher salaries, shorter seasons, and global exposure.

• For fans, reactions are mixed: excitement at something fresh, but concern that it could destabilise a sport already struggling with governance and financial instability.

What Happens Next?

R360 insists it will reveal official signings and the first wave of franchise locations in 2026. But success hinges on persuading players to take the leap — and on withstanding legal and political pressure from rugby’s traditional gatekeepers.

One thing is clear:R360 has forced rugby’s establishment into a fight it did not expect — and cannot afford to lose. If a handful of stars break ranks, the rest may follow. If nobody does, R360’s bold vision may remain a well-funded dream.

Either way, the sport is already changed.

Super League Raw will continue to monitor developments and will report back soon.