Springboks Stars Sign for R360 League
According to reports, four prominent Springboks players have signed with the rebel R360 league, pushing the competition towards its goal of 200 male players. The new rugby competition has signed around 160 players from around the world with legally binding pre-contractual agreements, including players from Australia’s NRL (National Rugby League). Interest in the competition has soared 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”. Likewise, it is said that 10 English internationals, who have represented their nation in the last year, have also signed conditional contracts. Although no current All Black is known to have signed, 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, reportedly turned down contracts. Meanwhile, Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit is reportedly seeking a one-year contract with a club upon his return from the NFL, which leaves the door open to accept a contract with R360 next year.
A third 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 signings come from Argentina, Australia and the Pacific Islands, as well as All Blacks players based outside of New Zealand. The young Wallabies talent, Max Jorgensen, who shone against the Lions, is also attracting interest.“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 a lot of detail,” Waugh said. “We understand that players are talking to R360, some have engaged and signed with R360.”
Phil Waugh
Meanwhile, the NRL continues to be a significant talent hunting ground, with South Sydney Rabbitohs young talent Jye Gray being the latest to be linked with the rebel league. Reports claim 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.“We are absolutely under threat. We cannot ignore it.”“The NRL is the toughest competition in the world with the best athletes,” Bennett said.
Wayne Bennett
