RFU stands firm as R360 plans global shake-up of rugby union
The battle for rugby’s future is taking shape—and England’s top players may soon have to pick a side.
A bold new franchise competition, dubbed R360, is gearing up for launch in 2026, promising to revolutionise the sport with a global, star-studded league designed to capture hearts, headlines, and major investment. But as the project gathers steam, a clear warning has emerged from Twickenham: players who join the rebel league could risk their England futures.
Despite R360’s organisers insisting their schedule won’t interfere with international windows such as the Six Nations, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has made its stance crystal clear. Under the current Professional Game Partnership (PGP) agreement, only those playing their club rugby in the Premiership will be eligible to represent England. And, as of now, there are no plans to change that.
R360‘s Pitch: Rugby’s “Super Bowl Moment”
R360 is being pitched as rugby’s answer to the NFL, with grand ambitions to become the pinnacle of the sport. The league’s glossy prospectus speaks of a “Super Bowl moment” for rugby, aiming to bring together 300 of the best men’s and women’s players from across the globe.
The plan is for teams to play in some of the world’s most iconic cities—London, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Cape Town. Matches would largely take place in the summer months, from April to June and again from August to September, deliberately avoiding clashes with the men’s Six Nations and autumn internationals.
But even if it avoids direct overlap with some international fixtures, the conflict with domestic leagues and existing structures is unavoidable—and that’s where the tension lies.
Ruling by Contract: No Premiership, No England
The RFU’s position is grounded in its eight-year PGP deal with Premiership Rugby, signed in 2024 and billed as a landmark agreement to stabilise the game domestically. A key clause? England selection is strictly reserved for players based in the Premiership.
One senior administrator told the BBC there is “zero chance” that the terms of that agreement will be adjusted to accommodate R360. In other words, if an England international leaves for the new league, they’re effectively ruling themselves out of national team contention.
That’s a seismic choice for any player to make. Representing your country remains the highest honour in the sport—and for many, the primary motivation. But R360 could offer the kind of money, exposure and lifestyle that’s hard to ignore.
Star Power: Mike Tindall and Stuart Hooper Lead the Charge
If R360 is to succeed, it will need serious credibility—and that’s where its leadership comes in.
The league is being spearheaded by 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall and former Bath captain and director of rugby Stuart Hooper. In the project’s promotional material, Tindall doesn’t mince his words about the current state of club rugby.
“Clubs around the world are feeling the strain,” he says. “The club game has failed to capture the same level of interest and investment as international rugby. Rugby’s lack of innovation and ability to change risks losing its appeal to new audiences and its younger market.”
R360, then, is positioned not just as a moneymaker—but as a rescue plan.
Women’s Rugby Front and Centre
Notably, the league is also making a significant push to elevate the women’s game. American sevens superstar Ilona Maher is already featured on marketing materials, and organisers have been vocal about their desire to “unlock the potential” of the women’s side of the sport.
Whether this is a genuine commitment or just smart branding remains to be seen—but it’s a clear sign that R360 is trying to separate itself from the status quo.
Familiar Doubts: Echoes of the World 12s
Of course, this isn’t the first time a flashy, globalised version of rugby has been touted.
“It’s the World 12s again,” said one sceptical source, referring to a previous attempt at creating a condensed, franchise-style rugby competition that never made it off the drawing board. That proposal, too, had big names, bold ideas—and ultimately failed to secure the necessary backing from governing bodies or players.
Many in the rugby establishment are wary of R360’s grand vision. Some doubt the commercial viability. Others question whether top-tier talent will really walk away from the traditional club-and-country structure.
What Would R360 Mean for the Calendar?
While R360 has been carefully mapped to avoid direct conflict with key international events, the calendar is already crowded. Its April–June and August–September blocks would still clash with domestic league fixtures, southern hemisphere competitions like the Rugby Championship, and, crucially, the Women’s Six Nations.
It’s a tight squeeze—and unless World Rugby and national unions are willing to rewrite long-standing structures, it could lead to scheduling chaos.
A Crossroads for Rugby
So, where does this leave the players?
For some, particularly those on the fringes of national selection or nearing the twilight of their careers, R360 could be a golden opportunity. Financial security, international travel, high-profile exposure—it’s not hard to see the appeal.
But for established England stars, the decision will be tougher. Choosing R360 over the Premiership isn’t just a career move—it’s a gamble on the future of the sport itself. If R360 flourishes, they’ll be pioneers. If it flops, they may find themselves out in the cold, both at club and international level.
One thing is certain: rugby union is at a turning point. The traditional model is under pressure, innovation is being demanded, and players are increasingly aware of their power in shaping the game’s next chapter.
The question now is: will anyone jump first?
