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

British and Irish Lions: Head coach Jo Yapp says says all four nations will comprise squad for inaugural tour of New Zealand

British and Irish Lions: Head coach Jo Yapp says says all four nations will comprise squad for inaugural tour of New Zealand

British and Irish Lions Women's head coach Jo Yapp insists the squad for next year's inaugural tour of New Zealand will include players from each of t...

Gallagher Premiership: Exeter beat reigning champions Bath to enhance play-off bid as Harlequins crush Newcastle

Gallagher Premiership: Exeter beat reigning champions Bath to enhance play-off bid as Harlequins crush Newcastle

Reigning champions Bath missed the opportunity to go to the top of the Gallagher Prem table as Exeter took a huge step towards an end of season play-o...

Leicester Tigers seal Prem Rugby play-off place with 47-33 bonus-point win at Sale Sharks

Leicester Tigers seal Prem Rugby play-off place with 47-33 bonus-point win at Sale Sharks

Leicester secured a place in the Prem Rugby play-offs with an emphatic 47-33 bonus-point victory at Sale that left them a point behind second-placed B...

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.The 34-year-old made his Wales debut as a teenager in 2010 a...

Motor neurone disease explained: What is it? How does it affect people? What links are there to sport and why is there hope?

Motor neurone disease explained: What is it? How does it affect people? What links are there to sport and why is there hope?

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition, but it can affect any adult of any age, although typically it's likely to affect people over 50. Up t...

Women's Six Nations: France vs England's Red Roses Grand Slam decider updates, latest scores, team news, commentary from Bordeaux

Women's Six Nations: France vs England's Red Roses Grand Slam decider updates, latest scores, team news, commentary from Bordeaux

Fuchs steps down as Newport managerChristian Fuchs has stepped down as manager of Newport County. The former Leicester defender took his first st...