The rugby governing bodies of eight prominent nations have released a joint statement declaring that any players who participate in the new R360 competition will no longer be eligible to represent their countries.
Representatives from England, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, and Italy have unanimously agreed to exclude both men’s and women’s players from national teams if they choose to join the tournament, which is being led by former England player Mike Tindall.
Reports indicate that R360 has secured financial backing from private investors to begin a condensed version of the competition in October 2026, with athletes said to be receiving substantial offers to switch leagues.
The statement said: “As a collective of rugby federations, we strongly advise players and staff to carefully consider the consequences of joining the proposed R360 competition … Each union will inform men’s and women’s players that involvement in R360 will disqualify them from international selection.”
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