Dead in the water? Controversial R360 league delays launch by two years

There has been incredible pushback for the league, which aims to lure the world's best players to franchises that tour the world in a Formula 1-type season. 

Virtually all major national unions have stated that any player joining the breakaway league would be banned from national duty. Even Australia's National Rugby League has a harsh decade-long ban on any player switching.

With all the pushback, it's been difficult to see how R360 could get off the ground as soon as 2026. But Friday's announcement has cast even further doubt about its existence.

"R360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love," said former England international and R360 Board Member Mike Tindall.

"Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby - a competition that keeps fans engaged year-round, brings new audiences into the game, and elevates both male and female players on a global stage.

"International rugby attracts huge audiences and is one of the most compelling products in world sport. But most players outside the biggest fixtures aren't yet household names. Club rugby is vital to the rugby ecosystem however its reach remains limited to the core fans. There is a clear gap for a global, innovative competition that can broaden rugby's appeal and inspire a new generation of fans - and our data consistently supports that need.

"As per many other sports, evolution is critical to broadening its appeal, finding new talent and realising commercial value. Cricket, Formula 1, football, sailing, golf, boxing, darts - to name a few - are all finding new ways to tell new stories to new audiences and building a stronger sport. This is rugby's opportunity.

"The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. Launching under compressed timelines would not meet the standards we set for R360, nor would it deliver the long-term commercial impact that the sport deserves.

"From day one, our commitment to players has been unwavering. Many of the world's best female and male players continue to express strong interest in joining R360. We want them to thrive - not be placed under unnecessary pressure. Ensuring player welfare, supporting their international ambitions, and working collaboratively with the global game remain core to our approach.

"As a Board, we remain absolutely determined to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact. We're building something bold and new that will resonate globally - and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028."

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