The Rise of R360: A New Era in Rugby
Rugby union is witnessing a potential revolution as the organizers of the new breakaway league, R360, shift their focus to attracting top-tier coaches. This move aims to challenge the traditional structures that have long defined the sport. The initiative seeks to bring about a ‘generational change’ by establishing eight new franchise men’s teams composed of the world’s best players who will compete globally.
The league has already garnered significant interest from major investors, including Fenway Sports Group, the Glazer family, and Red Bull. It is reported that nearly 200 players have committed to joining R360 for its launch in the summer of 2026. Among them is Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who has returned to rugby after a brief stint in the NFL. The league is now being taken seriously by World Rugby and national governing bodies, which are exploring how to respond to this emerging threat.
There is a growing recognition that both top players and coaches may be drawn to R360 due to its financial and lifestyle benefits. Run by England 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall and leading agent Mark Spoors, R360 is close to securing the required number of around 200 players needed by September to begin operations. As such, coaches have become the next priority for the league.
Coaches joining R360 will be responsible for developing an entertaining style of rugby aimed at attracting new fans. The competition will follow a Formula1-style global model, with all participants needing to be out of contract with their current employers by the summer of 2026 to take part in the first season.
During key meetings held in Australia during the British & Irish Lions tour, R360 was a prominent topic among rugby’s top leaders. Abi Tierney, the chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, acknowledged the potential disruption R360 could bring. “I think it’s a genuine potential disruption,” she stated. “None of us are thinking this isn’t going to happen. It might not happen. But we’re better off planning for it to happen and make sure we do our best to respond to that.”
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland is unlikely to join R360, as reports suggest he is set to take charge of Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks. While R360 has no plans to disrupt international rugby, any England players who join the league would need to forego their Test careers.
English rugby regulations require players to be employed by a Premiership club to represent Steve Borthwick’s national side. For R360 to gain approval from World Rugby, its organizers must demonstrate compliance with the game’s governing body’s regulations, including player release for international windows. Crucially, R360’s approval would need to be presented to the World Rugby Council by one of the game’s national unions. It is unlikely that a major union like the RFU or WRU would support this given the potential risks involved.
The Welsh Rugby Union is set to reduce the number of its professional teams from four to likely two. This decision has raised concerns about the future stability of Welsh rugby, especially with the uncertainty surrounding which teams will continue to exist long-term. Tierney emphasized the importance of providing stability and the best opportunities for Welsh rugby.
Wales captain Jac Morgan, who impressed during the Lions tour in Australia, is one of several Welsh players set to be out of contract at the end of the upcoming season. He is a prime target for R360. “At the heart of all this, we want to provide stability and the best for Welsh rugby,” Tierney said. “Contracts start to be talked about in October and R360’s aim is to be up and running by next summer. I’m absolutely aware of that.”