Key Springboks Figures Join R360 League
According to reports, four prominent Springboks players have signed with the R360 league, driving the competition towards its goal of 200 players in the men’s category. The new rugby competition has secured legally binding pre-contractual agreements with up to 160 players from around the world, including players from Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). Interest in the competition has soared following the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. It is understood that Cheslin Kolbe is not among the South African internationals who have signed an agreement, but the players are “four of the most prominent Springboks.” In addition, it is said that 10 English internationals, who have represented their nation in the last year, have also signed conditional contracts. Although the signing of any current All Black has not been confirmed, Ardie Savea remains a target. Several Wallabies have been contacted and have shown interest, while others, such as Fraser McReight and Len Ikitau, reportedly rejected offers. Meanwhile, Welsh winger Louis Rees-Zammit, returning from the NFL, is reportedly seeking a one-year contract with a club, which leaves the door open for him to join R360 next year.
A source also commented: “I think this is a plane that is going to take off. Whether it stays in the air or not is the next thing.” Most of the hires come from Argentina, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, as well as All Blacks players residing outside of New Zealand. The young Wallabies talent, Max Jorgensen, who stood out against the Lions, is also in the spotlight.At this moment, we’ve had conversations with R360. I think a lot of people have had conversations with R360 and we don’t have many details.
Phil Waugh
Meanwhile, the NRL continues to be a significant hunting ground for talent, with young South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jye Gray the latest to be linked to the rebel league. He has reportedly been offered more than $920,000 to make the switch to rugby. He joins players like Kalyn Ponga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who have also been linked to the league.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett recently warned the NRL about the threat R360 poses to the league.“We are absolutely under threat. We cannot ignore it.” “I don’t know how we will combat it, but I will say this: the game needs to come together as soon as possible in terms of the CEOs and the game itself. Let’s talk about what’s going on out there.” “Let’s have the conversation we need to have with each other and discuss how we stop it, what do we do?”The NRL is the toughest competition in the world with the best athletes.
Wayne Bennett
