{"id":213430,"date":"2025-10-20T15:39:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:39:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/213430\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T15:39:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:39:06","slug":"major-blow-for-andy-farrell-as-star-quits-ireland-for-r360","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/213430\/","title":{"rendered":"Major blow for Andy Farrell as star ‘quits Ireland’ for R360"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leinster scrum-half\u00a0Jamison Gibson-Park\u00a0is reportedly\u00a0weighing a move to the controversial R360 league\u00a0when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to\u00a0Rugby Pass<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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At\u00a033 years old, the Ireland international is at a stage in his career where a\u00a0lucrative R360 deal could be hard to resist.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0IRFU faces a battle\u00a0to keep one of Ireland\u2019s top stars, with multiple\u00a0Premiership\u00a0and\u00a0Top 14 clubs\u00a0also said to be interested. But Gibson-Park has reportedly been offered a\u00a0\u201cmassive\u201d deal\u00a0from R360 and is\u00a0tempted by the move.<\/p>\n

R360 is a\u00a0franchise-style rugby league\u00a0featuring 12 teams\u2014eight men\u2019s and four women\u2019s\u2014touring the globe in a\u00a0\u201cGrand Prix\u201d format. <\/p>\n

While organizers claim it won\u2019t clash with major tournaments like the\u00a0Six Nations\u00a0or\u00a0Rugby Championship, the league has faced strong criticism from most international unions.<\/p>\n

Last week, all Six Nations teams except\u00a0Wales, along with\u00a0New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, issued a\u00a0joint warning: players joining R360 will be\u00a0ineligible for international selection. They urged\u00a0\u201cextreme caution\u201d\u00a0for anyone thinking of the leap.<\/p>\n

Despite the risks, several\u00a0top players\u00a0are reported to have signed pre-contracts\u2014and\u00a0Gibson-Park appears to be one of them. Could this be a\u00a0major shake-up for Ireland rugby?<\/p>\n

POLL:<\/p>\n

EDITOR\u2019S PICKS:<\/p>\n

2025 World XV<\/p>\n

1. Ox Nch\u00e9 (South Africa \u2014 Loose-head Prop)<\/p>\n

The Springboks\u2019 scrum weapon. Ox Nch\u00e9\u2019s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He\u2019s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa\u2019s physical dominance.<\/p>\n

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland \u2014 Hooker)<\/p>\n

Ireland\u2019s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025\u2014scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan\u2019s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.<\/p>\n

3. Wilco Louw (South Africa\u2014 Tight-head Prop)<\/p>\n

It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon \u2018Quadzilla\u2019 just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are\u00a0on his day\u00a0\u2014 he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.<\/p>\n

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth\u2019s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.<\/p>\n

5. Maro Itoje (England \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless\u2014dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.<\/p>\n

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne\u2019s versatility makes him a coach\u2019s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.<\/p>\n

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.<\/p>\n

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand \u2014 No. 8)<\/p>\n

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2<\/p>\n

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