Michael Cheika Questions the Viability of the Rebel League R360
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has voiced his support for the idea of a disruptive league in the rugby world, but is not convinced that the much-talked-about R360 competition has the capacity to endure and transform the game. First announced last year, the R360 rugby competition has made headlines ever since. Recently, it was reported that up to 160 players from around the world had signed provisional contracts, including prominent players from the Springboks and 10 players from England. However, little is known about the competition, including any sponsorships, broadcasting agreements, or where the funds exactly come from. According to reports, the competition has received backing from entities in the United States and the United Kingdom, but little has been confirmed. Promoted as a Grand Prix-style competition, R360 plans to have between eight and twelve franchises, visiting 16 venues worldwide and featuring 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. Meanwhile, Cheika is not convinced of the league’s longevity, particularly due to the lack of a broadcast agreement.Cheika went on to explain that the lack of a major broadcast partner is a crucial factor. World Rugby’s Coach of the Year in 2015 has also been contacted to join the league. He is currently out of work after leading the Leicester Tigers to the final in June. While he didn’t address whether he would take an opportunity with R360, he did reveal that he believes his chances of coaching rugby in Australia are over, and instead, he has 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 lost a final, I lost a semi-final. It would be lovely to get one of those. But I think in the short term I would like to focus on having discussions with the league and see if that is a general possibility.”I think rugby seems ripe for a revolution.
Michael Cheika
