Player unions warn stars over big-money R360 deals

Stars considering a switch to R360 have been warned by their player unions to take legal advice before signing any contract with the big-money start-up competition.

R360 plans to launch in October 2026, offering players hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule to represent new teams in a globe-trotting series of events.

Organisers say they have agreements in place with close to 200 men's players, while they have reportedly also made offers to stars of the recent women's Rugby World Cup in England to feature in a parallel competition., external

However the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA), an umbrella group which connects player unions in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, has urged players to be cautious, stressing that R360's full plans are not yet clear.

"Detailed information about the competition remains outstanding and the competition does not currently have World Rugby regulatory approval," it said in a statement.

"Players are encouraged to speak to their player association or, where no player association exists, directly to IRPA or a legal advisor, prior to signing any contract pertaining to the competition."

R360 is continuing in discussions with the IRPA and, while it is keen to have player union support, it is confident it can launch without it.

"Our global series puts players first and we will continue to engage extensively with stakeholders including IRPA," said an R360 spokesperson.

"We've engaged directly with players and their closest advisors. We're truly excited to launch next year and showcase incredible male and female talent, excite fans and help to grow the game we love."

Organisers claim that R360 will bring in revenues untapped by the current club and provincial game.

The competition is still seeking World Rugby ratification, which can only be granted by June at the earliest.

To obtain it, R360 will need to comply with rules about releasing players to play for their countries in specific international windows throughout the year.

These vary between different regions and the men's and women's game, squeezing the calendar space in which R360's full rosters would be available.

The newly launched WXV Global Series and the southern hemisphere's The Rugby Championship both take place in October, the same month that R360's inaugural event is aimed at.

R360 has a parallel rebel plan to set up the event without World Rugby's ratification, if it cannot convince the governing body's member unions to approve it.

Several major nations, including England and New Zealand, have a policy of only selecting players from their domestic clubs for Test matches, meaning a move to R360 would currently make a player ineligible for their international teams regardless.