The controversial R360 breakaway rugby league has been compelled to postpone its inaugural season from 2026 to 2028, dealing another significant setback to the ambitious project.
Former England captain Mike Tindall, who leads the initiative for establishing a new global competition, had asserted just last month that preparations were proceeding as planned for next season's launch.
He had also stated that financial backing for the tournament's initial three years was already in place.
However, growing doubts about the venture's viability have emerged in recent weeks. The project had previously encountered difficulties when organisers were forced to postpone their bid for official recognition from World Rugby, moving the application from September to June of the following year.
One senior figure expressed scepticism about whether the proposed competition would materialise, remarking: "There have been so many U-turns in such a short space of time that they may as well call themselves R180."
The controversial R360 breakaway rugby league has been compelled to postpone its inaugural season from 2026 to 2028, dealing another significant setback to the ambitious project.
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The International Rugby Players Association, representing elite players across both hemispheres, has declined to support the competition or validate any player contracts associated with it, according to reports last month.
World rugby's major governing bodies subsequently issued an extraordinary collective warning, advising players and staff to approach the new league with "extreme caution". They cautioned that participants would face exclusion from international rugby.
Top-tier international players targeted by the project have opted to extend contracts with their current clubs instead of accepting substantial financial packages from R360.
The venture faces persistent questions regarding its commercial structure, revenue sources, stadium arrangements and scheduling compatibility with existing tournaments.
Initial fixture proposals were found to conflict with the Rugby Championship calendar.
Stuart Hooper, former Bath director of rugby and R360 board member, communicated the postponement to potential players via email, acknowledging the announcement would be "a shock for some and disappointing for all".
He emphasised that the organisation had been "fully committed and had detailed plans in place to launch in late 2026".
Hooper explained that "it has become increasingly apparent in recent weeks that a full season launch in 2028 will offer significantly stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty and a more favourable environment for you, the players as well as for fans and our partners."
The benefits of delaying include launching with a complete season rather than two abbreviated campaigns, additional time for dialogue with rugby authorities to protect players' international careers, and developing a commercial framework ensuring fair compensation for players.
Tindall defended the postponement as a "strategic decision based on timing", arguing that proceeding with compressed schedules would fail to achieve the standards established for R360 and would not generate the desired long-term commercial benefits for rugby.
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The British and Irish Lions have announced that female players participating in R360 would be ineligible for the 2027 tour to New Zealand.
R360's attempts to recruit players from the Australian rugby league encountered resistance when the NRL declared that any player defecting to the breakaway competition would face a decade-long ban from returning to their league.
The timing of the postponement announcement has likely frustrated players already committed to the venture.
Australian media reports indicated that NRL players Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax had already obtained clearances from their clubs for the 2026 season.
These players, despite lacking experience in elite rugby union, were among those targeted by R360 organisers seeking to bolster their roster with high-profile signings from rugby league.
Tindall defended the postponement as a "strategic decision based on timing", arguing that proceeding with compressed schedules would fail to achieve the standards established for R360 and would not generate the desired long-term commercial benefits for rugby.
"From day one, our commitment to players has been unwavering," he stated, claiming that numerous elite male and female players maintain strong interest in participating.
Tindall affirmed the board's determination to deliver R360 at full capacity with global reach, declaring: "We're building something bold and new that will resonate globally and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028."
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