The Lions Back Unions and Threaten Players with Exclusion
The British and Irish Lions have expressed their support for the unions regarding the threats to players who join the proposed R360 league. They have announced that those players who decide to participate in the mentioned league will also be excluded from future Lions tours.
It is reported that several England players are targets of the league, which is led by former England men’s international, Mike Tindall.
The former World Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, stated in October that she was “open to anything” ahead of the planned launch for 2026.
The Six Nations unions, apart from Wales, along with New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, had already warned players against participating in the breakaway league. The Lions echoed that sentiment.The first women’s Lions tour is scheduled for September 2027 against New Zealand.
In a statement, the Lions expressed: “As we continue preparations for the inaugural women’s Lions tour in 2027, The British & Irish Lions wishes to state its position on the proposed R360 competition and provide clarity to the players.”
“The British & Irish Lions fully supports 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 it can be. With the tour just over a year and a half away, we believe it is 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 its unions to support the growth of our game at all levels, ensure alignment with international and national calendars and prioritize the well-being of the players”.
