Photo: bbc.com
R360: Ireland will not select players who join breakaway league
The Irish Rugby Football Union has ruled that players joining the breakaway R360 league, set to launch in 2026, will not be eligible for international play.
- The R360 competition, led by former England international Mike Tindall, aims to offer lucrative contracts and is set to launch in October 2026.
- Players from Ireland, as well as Scotland, will be barred from international selection if they participate in the R360 league, affecting both men's and women's squads.
- The decision follows similar stances from rugby unions in England, New Zealand, South Africa, France, and Australia regarding the breakaway league.
- The IRFU's ruling emphasizes the organization's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the rugby union and international competitions in light of R360's emergence.
Why It Matters
This decision by the IRFU impacts the future of player options, as lucrative opportunities in R360 may tempt athletes despite the risk of losing international eligibility. Both men's and women's players will face a significant choice between financial gain and national representation. The ruling may encourage other rugby unions to adopt similar policies, shaping the landscape of professional rugby ahead of R360's launch.