6 h. ago R360 rebel league would be a major blow to Prem, warns Exeter’s Rob Baxter

We must improve our product to survive, insists BaxterExeter director of rugby wants top players in the PremRob Baxter has warned that English club rugby risks being undermined if the proposed R360 rebel league goes ahead. Exeter have just welcomed the top-class Australian centre Len Ikitau to Sandy Park and the Chiefs director of rugby believes the Prem will suffer a significant hit if such outstanding talent is diverted elsewhere.The R360 concept has suffered a series of recent setbacks with the world’s leading unions making clear that players who sign up will be forfeiting their international careers. Baxter, however, believes rugby should be primarily focused on improving its existing competitions. Continue reading...

Events

30 h. ago Senior rugby figures believe rebel R360 league all but dead after unions’ statement

Players who sign up would be ineligible for national sidesProposed event yet to be sanctioned by World RugbySenior global rugby figures believe the rebel R360 venture is all but dead unless it can find a way to appease the world’s top nations. In a dramatic move the leading unions collectively made clear this week that players involved in the R360 competition would be ineligible for their national sides and have warned them to treat offers with “extreme caution”.Privately there is a widespread view that those pushing the R360 concept, fronted by the England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, now face a struggle to get the project off the ground if the world’s top male and female players are required to forfeit their international futures to join the rebel league. Continue reading...

Sport

55 h. ago Scottish Rugby threatens to ban players who sign up for R360 rebel league in major move

Murrayfield joins leading unions to oppose rebel league

Sport

55 h. ago England among eight rugby nations who vow to ban players in rebel R360 league

Statement says R360 players ineligible for internationalsIreland and Scotland among those to impose sanctionGlobal rugby’s biggest unions have gone on the attack against the rebel Rugby 360 organisation that is seeking to poach the game’s leading stars. England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy, along with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, made clear on Tuesday that players who join the proposed new competition will be ineligible for international selection and have confirmed they will not support the venture.Rugby 360’s backers, fronted by the former England international Mike Tindall, had been hoping to launch their multi-city franchise tournament next year but have now been told to back off in no uncertain terms. “As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition,” read a statement issued by the world’s leading unions. Continue reading...

Sport

55 h. ago England among eight rugby nations vowing to ban players in rebel R360 league

Statement says R360 players ineligible for internationalsIreland and Scotland among those to impose sanctionGlobal rugby’s biggest unions have gone on the attack against the rebel R360 organisation that is seeking to poach the game’s leading stars. England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy, along with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, made clear on Tuesday that players who join the proposed new competition will be ineligible for international selection and have confirmed they will not support the venture.R360’s backers, fronted by the former England international Mike Tindall, had been hoping to launch their multicity franchise tournament next year but have now been told to back off in no uncertain terms. “As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition,” read a statement issued by the world’s leading unions. Continue reading...

Sport

1 week ago World Rugby confident other nations will catch up World Cup winners England

England secured World Cup triumph on home soil in front of a capacity crowd

Politics

2 w. ago England star George Martin faces Six Nations fitness race after major surgery

Towering lock Martin underwent shoulder surgery over the summer and will definitely miss the autumn series of matches

Sport

3 w. ago England counting on pyjamas and pampering ahead of ‘Le Crunch’ – Rosie Galligan

The Red Roses will hold a team bonding night on Wednesday before the World Cup semi-final.

Politics

3 w. ago Mike Tindall video leaked as he makes bold promise to rugby stars

The rebel R360 league has hit a setback recently, but one of its masterminds is still confident in things working out

Politics