2 w. ago R360 dealt fresh blow as NRL threatens rebel players with 10

The breakaway rugby union venture is due to launch next year and is reportedly targeting top rugby league stars

Economics

3 w. 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

3 w. 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

3 w. 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

3 w. 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

3 w. 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