Michael Cheika’s Opinion on the R360 Rebel League and its Future
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has voiced his opinion on the proposal for a disruptive rugby league, although he is not entirely convinced of the long-term success of the R360 competition, which has generated great expectation. Announced last year, the R360 rugby league has made headlines ever since. Recently, it was reported that up to 160 players from around the world, including prominent Springboks and England players, have signed provisional contracts. However, there is still little information about the competition, such as sponsorships, broadcasting agreements, or the origin of the funds. It is rumored that the league is backed by entities in the United States and the United Kingdom, but there is no official confirmation. With a format similar to a Grand Prix, R360 plans to include between eight and twelve franchises, with matches in 16 venues around the world and the participation of 300 players. The league is expected to start in September of next year. Despite the lack of clarity, Rugby Australia and World Rugby consider the rebel league a real threat, as demonstrated by RA chief Phil Waugh’s meeting with R360 representatives during the recent British and Irish Lions series.Cheika, on the other hand, is not sure about the viability of the league, especially due to the absence of a broadcast agreement. The former coach, who was awarded World Rugby Coach of the Year in 2015, has also been contacted to join the league. He is currently unemployed after leading the Leicester Tigers to the final in June. Although he did not reveal whether he would accept an offer from R360, Cheika did indicate that he believes his chances of coaching rugby in Australia are over, and is now focused on exploring the possibility of coaching in the NRL. “For me, it’s clear that rugby is not an opportunity here in Australia, because those positions are filled,” Cheika stated.“I think rugby seems to be at a propitious moment for a revolution,” Cheika commented.
Michael Cheika
