Rugby Union Dec 07, 2025

British and Irish Lions warn involvement in R360 league will jeopardise selection for 2027 tour of New Zealand

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
British and Irish Lions warn involvement in R360 league will jeopardise selection for 2027 tour of New Zealand

The British and Irish Lions have confirmed any player who decides to take part in the planned breakaway R360 league would not be eligible for selection for the 2027 women's tour to New Zealand.

Plans for the rebel league involves 12 franchised teams - eight men's and four women's - taking part in a global grand prix-type competition which will see matches take place in cities such as London, Miami, Tokyo and Lisbon.

All of the Six Nations unions except Wales, plus South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, have already declared any player involved in the tournament, which is fronted by 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall, will be barred from Test selection.

The Lions have now confirmed the same stance, which will "provide clarity to players" ahead of a first-ever women's tour.

"As we continue preparations for the inaugural Lions Women's Tour in 2027, The British & Irish Lions wishes to outline its position on the proposed R360 competition and provide clarity to players," a Lions statement read.

"The British & Irish Lions fully support the position of our constituent Unions in relation to the proposed competition and will be advising that any player who decides to participate in R360 will not be eligible for selection for the 2027 Tour to New Zealand.

"This is the first ever Lion's Women Tour, a historic moment for women's rugby and we want it to be the best it can be.

"With the tour just over a year and a half away, we believe it is important that players who may be selected are playing in established leagues that provide certainty on calendar and playing schedule.

"The British & Irish Lions will continue to work collaboratively with its Unions to support the growth of our game at all levels, ensure alignment with international and domestic calendars and prioritise player welfare."

What is R360? When does it start? How many players have signed up? And will it actually go ahead?

SportNews tackles the burning questions gripping the world of rugby...

Tags:

rugby-union news id:13475651

Share this article

Related Posts

Six Nations 2026 in focus: Can Andy Farrell's Ireland prove they aren't a side in decline this championship?

Six Nations 2026 in focus: Can Andy Farrell's Ireland prove they aren't a side in decline this championship?

Ireland appear a side in decline having lost their Six Nations crown to France in 2025. Can they prove people wrong? Ireland are off the back of a dis...

Six Nations: Ireland name Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale for opener in France but Tadhg Furlong ruled out

Six Nations: Ireland name Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne, Jacob Stockdale for opener in France but Tadhg Furlong ruled out

Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne and Jacob Stockdale have each been picked to start for Ireland against France in their Guinness Six Nations opener in P...

Six Nations: Henry Arundell, George Ford, Alex Coles start for England vs Wales as Maro Itoje held in reserve

Six Nations: Henry Arundell, George Ford, Alex Coles start for England vs Wales as Maro Itoje held in reserve

Henry Arundell, George Ford and Alex Coles have all been named to start for England against Wales in Saturday's Six Nations opener, with captain Maro...

Six Nations 2026: Men's fixtures, schedule, dates, Calcutta Cup and more as France defend championship title

Six Nations 2026: Men's fixtures, schedule, dates, Calcutta Cup and more as France defend championship title

All the fixtures and schedule for the 2026 Men's Six Nations as France look to defend their title against England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy....

Six Nations: Steve Tandy names squad amid uncertainty for Welsh rugby

Six Nations: Steve Tandy names squad amid uncertainty for Welsh rugby

Wales boss Steve Tandy named his first Six Nations squad as Welsh rugby was plunged into further uncertainty.Tandy's 38-man squad was announced as the...

Scotland Six Nations squad: Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry among Gregor Townsend's 40 selections

Scotland Six Nations squad: Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry among Gregor Townsend's 40 selections

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has recalled second row Jonny Gray and hooker Dave Cherry into his 40-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations.The squad...