In a surprising turn of events, the proposed global rugby league competition R360 has postponed its launch until 2028. Organizers announced the delay on Friday, citing the need for “greater commercial certainty and a significantly more favorable environment for players and fans.” This decision has left several top National Rugby League (NRL) talents, including Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen, in a state of uncertainty.
The competition, initially set to launch in October next year, had been aggressively seeking to recruit top NRL players to establish a strong foundation. However, the delay now leaves players like Lomax and Papenhuyzen, whose contracts with the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm respectively were set to end after the 2025 season, in a two-year limbo.
Impact on Players and the NRL
The announcement has significant implications for the players involved and the NRL. The league responded swiftly, declaring a 10-year ban on any player who defects to the R360 competition. This move underscores the NRL’s determination to retain its star players amidst the threat posed by the breakaway league.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding R360’s launch could influence major decisions for players like Payne Haas, who is off contract with the Brisbane Broncos at the end of next season. With a reported $3 million per year offer from R360, Haas’s future in rugby league is now even more uncertain.
Opposition and Strategic Decisions
R360 has faced considerable opposition from several rugby union boards, which earlier this year expressed strong disapproval of the competition’s proposed launch. The delay is seen as a victory for the NRL and its efforts to keep its biggest stars from being lured away by lucrative contracts and tax-free incentives.
Despite the setback, R360 organizers remain optimistic about the 2028 launch. The competition aims to “complement” world rugby and contribute to the sport’s growth. Mike Tindall, a board member of R360, emphasized the league’s commitment to creating a global showcase that elevates both male and female players.
“R360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love,” Tindall stated. “Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby.”
Future Prospects and Strategic Vision
The decision to delay the launch is described as strategic, allowing R360 to meet its high standards and achieve the long-term commercial impact it envisions. Tindall highlighted the importance of player welfare and the league’s commitment to supporting players’ international ambitions.
R360’s vision is to fill a gap in the rugby ecosystem by creating a global, innovative competition that broadens the sport’s appeal. Tindall compared the initiative to other sports that have successfully evolved to attract new audiences, such as cricket, Formula 1, and football.
“As per many other sports, evolution is critical to broadening its appeal, finding new talent, and realizing commercial value,” Tindall explained. “This is rugby’s opportunity.”
With the 2028 launch now set, R360 aims to build a competition that resonates globally and brings new fans to the sport. The board remains determined to bring their vision to life, promising a bold and innovative league that will make a significant impact on the rugby world.
As the rugby community awaits further developments, the delay of R360’s launch continues to stir discussions about the future of the sport and the potential shifts in player dynamics. The next few years will be crucial in determining how R360’s ambitions align with the evolving landscape of global rugby.
