Lions Back Unions’ Ban on R360 Players Ahead of 2027 Tour

The British and Irish Lions have endorsed the unions’ decision to exclude players linked with the R360 project from their 2027 tour plans.

R360 aims to roll out in October 2026 with a global touring schedule featuring four women’s teams and a deep pool of male players. In response, eight leading Test nations have implemented a blanket ban on selecting any player who signs with R360, covering both men’s and women’s teams. Wales has not formally joined the ban but has expressively supported the position in principle while its consultation on rugby's future continues.

The Lions’ stance does not explicitly single out men’s tours—such as the 2029 New Zealand trip that remains in early planning stages—but their statement makes clear they back the unions’ approach, which now spans both genders. The Lions fully support the unions’ decision and will advise that any player who joins R360 will not be eligible for the 2027 tour to New Zealand, the group said. They added that the historic women’s tour should be built on stability, noting that a robust and predictable calendar is crucial for players potentially selected.

Historically, the Lions have not imposed strict selection restrictions, having previously fielded players based overseas. In January 2024, the Lions’ chief executive said there was no policy closing off anyone from selection. The current shift marks a first for the Lions in enforcing limits tied to a new league project.

Media reports have suggested R360 has its sights set on England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning squad, with the Daily Telegraph noting several Red Roses players had begun pre-contract discussions. Star back Ellie Kildunne indicated interest in learning more about R360 amid the coverage. On the men’s side, organizers claim to be close to assembling a 200-player pool, with multiple current and former internationals reportedly in talks.

However, World Rugby has yet to grant sanction for the series, calling for more clarity on scheduling and players’ release for international duty. In England, leader Bill Sweeney has said he knows of no England player—male or female—planning to abandon Test duties for R360, underscoring uncertainty and the absence of concrete plans at present.

In related moves, Australia’s NRL has signaled it would sanction a decade-long ban if players switch to R360, illustrating how competing codes are guarding their player pools. The broader rugby community is watching how unions balance new commercial opportunities with calendar integrity and player welfare.

What this means for the 2027 tour

With the Lions linking their outlook to the unions’ stance, the pathway to the 2027 New Zealand tour appears increasingly defined by access rules and the ongoing World Rugby process. The decision effectively narrows the field of eligible players for both men’s and women’s teams should R360 progress to a sanctioned competition.

As organizers pursue sanctioning and clarity, clubs and federations are weighing the long-term impact on scheduling, player development, and national team continuity.

Conclusion

The joint position from the Lions and the unions signals a firm, coordinated approach to safeguarding traditional calendars and international commitments, even as new competition formats emerge. The coming months will determine whether R360 can secure official backing and how many players remain available for national duty.

Key Takeaways

• Eight leading Test nations have imposed a blanket ban on R360 players for both men’s and women’s teams.
• The British and Irish Lions publicly back the unions’ stance and will bar R360 participants from the 2027 tour.
• World Rugby has not yet sanctioned R360 and is seeking detailed information on staging and player release rights.
• R360 is pursuing high-profile signings, especially in women’s rugby, while facing competition from other codes’ player protections.
• The situation could shape the calendar and selection dynamics for future international tours.

Expert comment

“This is a landmark moment that tests how far unions are willing to go to preserve calendar certainty and traditional pathways for players,” says rugby governance analyst Dr. Maya Patel. “If R360 gains sanction, the sport could see a significant rebalancing of competing interests and schedules.”

Summary

The push to regulate or block participation in R360 reflects rugby’s broader tension between new commercial formats and established international commitments. The Lions’ backing of the unions’ ban underscores a unified stance on protecting the sport’s calendar and player development pipelines. As World Rugby evaluates the proposal, players, clubs, and federations await concrete decisions that could influence both the timing and composition of major tours.

Key insight: Rugby’s governance is steering toward a coordinated approach to new leagues, prioritizing calendar integrity and player availability for traditional tours. Source: BBC Sport