Plans by R360 to launch its global rugby series next year have been shelved, raising doubts over the project\u2019s viability.<\/p>\n
Despite optimistic soundbites from board member Mike Tindall<\/a> throughout 2025 that R360 was on track to launch in 2026 with more than 200 players reportedly signed up<\/a> to provisional agreements, the ex-England Rugby World Cup-winning midfielder has now confirmed that the launch has been pushed back until 2028.<\/p>\n The development comes 10 days after fixtures for the new World Rugby-backed Nations Championship were announced<\/a> for the game\u2019s leading 12 men\u2019s countries, starting next July in the southern hemisphere before further fixtures in Europe next November, leading into a finals weekend in London.<\/p>\n R360 were aiming to launch its inaugural event, catering for eight men\u2019s and four women\u2019s teams, in October 2026, but they failed to secure sanctioning from World Rugby amid threats from several countries and the British and Irish Lions<\/a> that players recruited by R360 would not be able to continue with their international careers.<\/p>\n \u201cNecessary runway to strengthen R360\u2019s credibility\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n There was also a threat from the Australian NRL that any of its players who signed for R360 would face a 10-year ban.<\/p>\n Amid this backdrop, R360, who named Scottish businessman Martin Gilbert as its new chairman and an investor, have now admitted defeat \u2013 for now.<\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate this will be a shock for some and disappointing for all, but we\u2019d like to explain the reasoning behind the decision,\u201d wrote Stuart Hooper, the former Bath director of rugby and R360 board member, in an email.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had detailed plans to launch in late 2026. A full season launch in 2028 means that we can: go straight into a full season rather than starting with two shortened seasons; spend more time speaking with rugby stakeholders to ensure you are not penalised with your international careers for choosing where you want to play club rugby; continue to build a commercial model that sees you paid fairly for the value you bring to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n R360 claimed that the delay would \u201cprovide the necessary runway to strengthen R360\u2019s credibility, continue collaborative discussions and partnerships with rugby\u2019s stakeholders, and position the league to launch at full scale with maximum global impact from the outset\u201d.<\/p>\n It claimed that this would \u201ccreate greater commercial certainty\u2026 (and) align the competition more cleanly with the global rugby calendar and ensure we enter the market at maximum strength to continue the momentum from the 2027 men\u2019s Rugby World Cup and 2027 women\u2019s British & Irish Lions tour\u201d.<\/p>\n State of the Nation: Ireland need \u2018collective rethink\u2019 after \u2018falling behind\u2019 on back of Andy Farrell\u2019s \u2018costly Lions sabbatical\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n England allowed to pick Springboks-tied centre as World Rugby give greenlight under \u2018exceptional circumstances\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Fellow R360 board member Tindall said: \u201cR360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love. Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby \u2014 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.<\/p>\n \u201cInternational rugby attracts huge audiences and is one of the most compelling products in world sport. But most players outside the biggest fixtures aren\u2019t yet household names. Club rugby is vital to the rugby ecosystem; however, its reach remains limited to the core fans.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a clear gap for a global, innovative competition that can broaden rugby\u2019s appeal and inspire a new generation of fans \u2014 and our data consistently supports that need.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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 \u2013 to name a few \u2013 are all finding new ways to tell new stories to new audiences and building a stronger sport. This is rugby\u2019s opportunity.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n Wales v Springboks prediction: Rassie Erasmus\u2019 troops to end year on a high with \u2018dominant triumph\u2019 in Cardiff<\/a><\/p>\n