A disruptive new rugby competition, R360, is making waves by targeting top-level players including Wallabies talent with lucrative contracts reportedly worth up to US$1.1 million per season.
Launching in October 2026, R360 aims to field six teams operating outside Australia. Backed by international investors and high-profile figures such as Mike Tindall, it seeks to challenge the existing rugby union and league structure. The league has already secured three years of funding and signed over 150 players, signaling serious intent to shake up the status quo.
Rugby Australia (RA) and the NRL have responded cautiously, warning that participation in R360 could jeopardize players’ eligibility for national teams, Rugby World Cups, and major events. The tension underscores the stakes: will players chase higher pay or remain loyal to established systems? World Rugby, while open to investment, has expressed concerns about fragmentation and governance.
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Critics argue that R360’s viability hinges on drawing marquee names and building sustainable structures. So far, the league has focused on fringe internationals and former stars rather than the biggest current icons. But by offering outsized contracts to mid-tier talent, it hopes to build credibility and depth first.
For Australian rugby both league and union the emergence of R360 presents a potential disruption to talent pipelines, contract systems, and broadcast rights. Already successful deals and long-term player contracts have given RA financial stability heading into the 2027 World Cup, adding friction to the newcomer’s ambitions.
R360, meanwhile, may also reflect a broader shift in sports investment, particularly from the Middle East, which has increasingly backed alternative leagues and formats. Some speculate that this move could align with efforts to host a future Rugby World Cup in the region.
As announcements continue, the key questions will be: who will sign, will national bodies penalize participants, and can R360 attract sufficient fan and broadcast support to sustain itself. The next year will be pivotal for the league, for players tempted by big money, and for the future shape of rugby globally.