Michael Cheika Questions the Viability of R360 Rugby
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has voiced his support for the idea of a disruptive rugby league, but is not convinced that the much-discussed R360 competition has the capacity to endure and change the game. First announced last year, the R360 rugby competition has made headlines ever since, especially after it was reported that up to 160 players from around the world had signed provisional contracts, including prominent Springboks players and 10 England players. However, little is known about the competition, including sponsorships, broadcasting agreements, or where the funds come from. According to reports, the competition has received support from entities in the United States and the United Kingdom, but little has been confirmed. Presented as a Grand Prix-style competition, R360 plans to feature between eight and twelve franchises, visiting 16 venues worldwide and showcasing 300 male players, with the league launch scheduled for September of next year. Despite the lack of clarity surrounding the competition, Rugby Australia and World Rugby are treating the rebel league as a real threat, with RA boss Phil Waugh meeting with R360 representatives during the recent British and Irish Lions series.Cheika is not convinced of the league’s longevity, particularly due to the lack of a broadcasting agreement. The World Rugby coach of the year in 2015 has also been contacted to join the league. Currently out of work after taking the Leicester Tigers to the final in June, Cheika did not comment on whether he would accept an opportunity with R360, but revealed that he believes his chances of coaching rugby in Australia are over, and has instead focused his attention on trying to coach in the NRL. “It’s pretty clear to me that rugby is not an opportunity here in Australia because those positions are taken,” Cheika said. “And also on the other hand, possibly the experiences of the Rugby World Cup are incredible. So, another team that can go to the World Cup and try to compete. You know, I’ve lost a final, I’ve lost a semi-final. It would be lovely to get one of those. But I think in the short term I’d like to focus on having conversations with the league and see if that’s a general possibility.”“I think rugby seems ripe for a revolution,” Cheika said.
Michael Cheika
