Springboks Stars Sign for R360: Impact on World Rugby

According to reports, four prominent Springboks players have signed with the R360 league, driving the competition towards its goal of 200 male players. The new rugby competition has signed legally binding pre-contractual agreements with approximately 160 players from around the world, including players from Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). Interest in the competition has skyrocketed following the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. It is understood that Cheslin Kolbe is not among the South African internationals who have signed an agreement, but the players are “four of the highest-profile Springboks.” In addition, 10 English internationals, who have represented their country in the last year, are also said to have signed conditional contracts. It is known that no current All Black has signed, but Ardie Savea remains a target. Meanwhile, several Wallabies have been contacted and many have shown interest, while several more, including Fraser McReight and Len Ikitau, have rejected contracts according to reports. On the other hand, Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit would be looking for a one-year contract with a club upon his return from the NFL, leaving the door open to sign a contract with R360 next year.

The serious threat the league poses to rugby in Australia and around the world has not gone unnoticed. Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh spoke with R360 representatives during the recent Lions tour, while World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin stated that the global body was open to talks with the competition. According to reports, representatives from R360 and RFU also met in Australia during the Lions tour.

At this stage we’ve had conversations with R360. I think a lot of people have had conversations with R360 and we don’t have many details.
Phil Waugh

An external source also said: “I think this is a plane that is going to take off. Whether it stays in the air or not is the next thing.” Most of the signatures come from Argentina, Australia and the Pacific Islands, as well as All Blacks players based outside of New Zealand. Young Wallabies player Max Jorgensen, who played against the Lions, is also attracting interest.

Meanwhile, the NRL continues to be a significant talent hunting ground, with South Sydney Rabbitohs youngster Jye Gray being the latest to be linked to the rebel league. Reports indicate that he has been offered more than $920,000 to make the switch to rugby. He joins players like Kalyn Ponga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who have also been linked to the league.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett recently warned the NRL about the threat R360 poses to the league.