The Lions Back Unions and Threaten Exclusion for Players Joining the R360 League
The British and Irish Lions have expressed their support for the unions in their warnings against players who decide to join the proposed R360 league. They have announced that those players who choose to participate in this league will also be excluded from future Lions tours. It is reported that several players from the England women’s national team are targets of the league, which is led by former English men’s international, Mike Tindall. The former World Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, stated in October that she is “open to any possibility” ahead of the planned launch for 2026. Previously, the Six Nations unions, with the exception of Wales, along with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, had already warned players about participation in the separatist league. The Lions echoed this sentiment on Wednesday.
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“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 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 calendars, and prioritize the well-being of the players.“The British & Irish Lions fully support the position 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 for selection for the 2027 Tour to New Zealand.
The Lions
