Lions ban R360 players: Impact on women’s rugby stars

The Lions Back Unions and Threaten Players Who Join the R360 League

The British and Irish Lions have expressed their support for the unions regarding threats to players who decide to join the proposed R360 league. They have announced that those players who participate in said league will not be considered for future Lions tours. The news reveals that several players from the England women’s national team are targets of this league, promoted by former English international player Mike Tindall. Ellie Kildunne, former World Player of the Year, expressed in October her openness to “anything” ahead of the league launch in 2026. The Six Nations unions, with the exception of Wales, along with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, had already warned players about their participation in the league. The Lions echoed this sentiment.

Caption: The first tour of the Women’s Lions is scheduled for September 2027 against New Zealand.The first women’s Lions tour will feature three test matches in September 2027 against New Zealand.

“As we continue with preparations for the first ever Women’s Lions tour in 2027, the British & Irish Lions wish to outline their position on the proposed R360 competition and clarify to the players,” the Lions said in a statement.

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“The British & Irish Lions fully support the stance of our constituent unions in relation to the proposed competition and will advise that any player who decides to participate in R360 will not be eligible to be selected for the 2027 tour to New Zealand. “This is the first women’s Lions tour, a historic moment for women’s rugby and we want it to be the best possible. With the tour just over a year and a half away, we believe it’s important that the players who may be selected play in established leagues that provide certainty about the schedule and the game program.” “The British & Irish Lions will continue to work in collaboration with their unions to support the growth of our sport at all levels, ensure alignment with international and national schedules, and prioritize the well-being of the players.”