R360 Rugby Series Delays Launch to 2028 Amid Governance Hurdles

R360, the planned global rugby competition aimed at attracting the sport’s biggest stars, has pushed its start date to 2028, citing timing and governance needs to build a sustainable project.

Board member and former England centre Mike Tindall described the delay as a strategic move to meet high standards and ensure the venture delivers long-term benefits for rugby.

Several major rugby powers, including eight Test nations and the British and Irish Lions, have barred players from joining R360 while they retain international duties. The Australian Rugby League (NRL) also warned that any player switching to R360 could face a decade-long ban from its competition. Those who had signed up for a 2026 start now face contract terminations.

In a message to players, R360 co-founder Stuart Hooper acknowledged the news would come as a shock and disappointment to many, but reaffirmed the plan to launch in 2028 and to embed the circuit into rugby’s calendar as a lasting fixture.

Some English club insiders say the founders are under pressure and may still be short on the financial backing and player commitments needed to launch on the requested timeline.

Why the delay matters

R360 originally aimed for an October 2026 kickoff with eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, but World Rugby had questions about the event’s format and whether players could be released for international duty. World Rugby could have granted approval as early as June, only months before the planned start.

Tindall emphasised that player welfare and close cooperation with the global game remain central to the project’s approach.

Delaying the launch helps R360 avoid competing directly with the Rugby World Cup year and the notable Lions tour for women. Yet the plan also faces another major hurdle: a 2028 Club World Cup, created in part to counter R360’s ambitions, could complicate scheduling further.

Recruitment and market challenges

R360 has faced challenges in securing top players. Some targets reportedly declined offers or extended deals with their current clubs. High-profile stars have renewed contracts with teams like Bath and Toulouse, limiting roster options for the new venture.

Proponents say R360 had about 200 players in provisional agreement discussions, but collective resistance from leading nations, plus the threat of long bans from rival leagues, reduced early momentum.

Despite the setbacks, the board remains committed to launching on a larger scale in 2028, hoping for stronger financial backing and clearer regulatory support.

Expert perspective

Expert comment: The two-year pause offers R360 time to secure funding and clear regulatory hurdles, but success will depend on convincing players and unions of long-term benefits and stabilizing international commitments.

Outlook in brief

R360 aims to bring high-stakes rugby closer to fans around the world, using a franchise-based model and a global tour. The delay signals prudence, but the venture must navigate calendar congestion, expensive logistics, and strong competition for players and sponsors.

Short summary

R360 postpones its launch to 2028 to strengthen governance, funding, and player welfare alignment. The move reduces immediate conflicts with major rugby events but introduces new timing and recruitment challenges. Success will rely on securing World Rugby sanctioning, top-tier player commitments, and solid financial backing.

Key takeaway: R360’s delay reflects the complexity of coordinating global calendars, governing bodies, and elite players to create a viable, world-spanning rugby series. Source