In a surprising twist in the rugby world, whispers of current Springboks signing up with the rogue R360 league have been swirling. However, SA Rugby has slapped down these rumors faster than a flanker at a ruck, stating they're as clueless as a lost scrum cap about any of their boys joining the rebel ranks. If this league kicks off without the nod from World Rugby, players might have to kiss their Test careers goodbye, along with any dreams of the 2027 World Cup.
The R360 league, which smells of the same rebellion as cricket’s IPL and golf’s LIV, is reportedly backed by rugby heavyweights and a legal eagle who’s played in these controversial waters before. The league plans to field 12 franchises starting September 2026. The Telegraph has dropped names of four high-profile Boks allegedly already in the mix, although SA Rugby insists these players are likely from past rosters or those willing to gamble their international futures.
With salaries reportedly starting at a whopping $900,000 a season, who wouldn't be tempted? Yet, according to former Wallaby Simon Poidevin, we might want to hold off on calling this a game changer.
“As far as I understand, these are non-binding contracts, just like Kerry Packer’s rebel movement in the 1990s – and nothing came of that,”
Poidevin remarked, hinting that big bucks alone don't guarantee a revolution.
It’s a sticky wicket – players registered with their national unions won’t be able to play in unsanctioned events, making this league a potentially career-ending move. Yet, the allure of fat paychecks and a new global platform is undeniable. Will R360 truly shake up the rugby status quo, or will it fizzle out as just another ambitious upstart? Only time will tell, but for now, the traditional rugby powers are holding their ground, and the ball is in the rebel’s court.
2,193 posts
In a surprising twist in the rugby world, whispers of current Springboks signing up with the rogue R360 league have been swirling. However, SA Rugby has slapped down these rumors faster than a flanker at a ruck, stating they're as clueless as a lost scrum cap about any of their boys joining the rebel ranks. If this league kicks off without the nod from World Rugby, players might have to kiss their Test careers goodbye, along with any dreams of the 2027 World Cup.
The R360 league, which smells of the same rebellion as cricket’s IPL and golf’s LIV, is reportedly backed by rugby heavyweights and a legal eagle who’s played in these controversial waters before. The league plans to field 12 franchises starting September 2026. The Telegraph has dropped names of four high-profile Boks allegedly already in the mix, although SA Rugby insists these players are likely from past rosters or those willing to gamble their international futures.
With salaries reportedly starting at a whopping $900,000 a season, who wouldn't be tempted? Yet, according to former Wallaby Simon Poidevin, we might want to hold off on calling this a game changer.
“As far as I understand, these are non-binding contracts, just like Kerry Packer’s rebel movement in the 1990s – and nothing came of that,”
Poidevin remarked, hinting that big bucks alone don't guarantee a revolution.It’s a sticky wicket – players registered with their national unions won’t be able to play in unsanctioned events, making this league a potentially career-ending move. Yet, the allure of fat paychecks and a new global platform is undeniable. Will R360 truly shake up the rugby status quo, or will it fizzle out as just another ambitious upstart? Only time will tell, but for now, the traditional rugby powers are holding their ground, and the ball is in the rebel’s court.