The RFU are understood to be completely unaware of any current Springboks having put pen to paper with the controversial R360 breakaway league.<\/p>\n
RUCK understands that if the new global franchise tournament fails to gain World Rugby approval, any player signing up will be forced to sacrifice their Test careers \u2013 including hopes of appearing at the 2027 Rugby World Cup \u2013 to take part.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.Big Names Targeted<\/p>\n England icons such as Maro Itoje, Fin Smith, George Ford and, most recently, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have all been linked with the rebel competition. However, RUCK sources indicate that the RFU have no knowledge of any current England internationals committing to deals.<\/p>\n The project is being spearheaded by former England centre Mike Tindall, ex-Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper and the lawyer responsible for both the IPL and LIV Golf. Reports suggest around 160 players have already signed pre-contracts \u2013 the majority of them having played Test rugby in the past year.<\/p>\n Under World Rugby regulations, players registered with their national unions would be barred from unsanctioned events.<\/p>\n Big money is on the table too \u2013 with salaries said to start at a staggering\u00a0\u00a3700,000\u00a0per season.<\/p>\n Where Will They Play?<\/p>\n R360 will span the globe. Teams will be based in:<\/p>\n London<\/p>\n Tokyo<\/p>\n Dubai<\/p>\n Cape Town<\/p>\n Boston<\/p>\n Miami<\/p>\n Plus\u00a0two more cities\u00a0still under wraps.<\/p>\n Each squad is expected to boast\u00a035 players, with room for a women\u2019s competition to follow soon after, starting with\u00a0four teams.<\/p>\n Contract Clashes Already<\/p>\n To play in the first R360 season, players must be out of contract by\u00a0summer 2026. That rules out big names like\u00a0Marcus Smith\u00a0and\u00a0Finn Russell, who are tied up until\u00a02028. But don\u2019t count them out just yet \u2014 sources say R360 has a\u00a0war chest ready to buy players out\u00a0if needed.<\/p>\n This could be the biggest shift in the sport since professionalism. Watch this space.<\/p>\n Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group<\/p>\n he tournament\u2019s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of the\u00a0predicted groups\u00a0and\u00a0team bios\u00a0for the RWC 2027:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6\u00a0Group A<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Argentina\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Samoa\u00a0\ud83c\uddfc\ud83c\uddf8 Tonga\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf4 \ud83c\udf0d\u00a0Group B<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff Scotland\u00a0\ud83c\udff4 Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Chile\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf1 CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.<\/p>\n
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they\u2019re known for big-game upsets.<\/p>\n
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa\u2019s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Ikale Tahi\u2019 bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.<\/p>\n
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction\u2014three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.<\/p>\n
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.<\/p>\n
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.<\/p>\n