Springboks Stars Sign for R360: Rebel League Shakes World Rugby

Springboks Stars Sign with R360 League

The new R360 rugby league has made significant progress, securing the signing of four prominent Springboks players, according to recent reports. This addition propels the competition towards its goal of having 200 players in the men’s category. The rugby competition has finalized legally binding pre-contractual agreements with approximately 160 players from around the world, including athletes from Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). Interest in the league has intensified following the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. Although Cheslin Kolbe is not among the South African internationals who have signed, the recruited players are “four of the most outstanding Springboks.” In addition, it is reported that ten English internationals, who have represented their country in the last year, have also signed conditional contracts. So far, no active All Black has signed, although Ardie Savea remains a target. Several Wallabies have been contacted, showing interest, while others, such as Fraser McReight and Len Ikitau, have rejected offers. On the other hand, Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit would be looking for a one-year contract with a club after his return from the NFL, which would open the possibility of joining R360 next year.

The Springboks have built up incredible depth in recent years — Los Springboks han desarrollado una profundidad increíble en los últimos años

The threat this league poses to rugby in Australia and globally has not gone unnoticed. Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh met with R360 representatives during the recent Lions tour, while World Rugby director Alan Gilpin stated that the global body is open to talks with the competition. It is reported that representatives from R360 and the 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 a lot of detail.
Phil Waugh

An external source also commented:

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 residing outside of New Zealand. The young Wallabies talent, Max Jorgensen, who stood out against the Lions, is also in the spotlight. Meanwhile, the NRL continues to be a breeding ground for talent, with young Jye Gray of the South Sydney Rabbitohs being the latest to be linked with the rebel league. He has reportedly been offered more than $920,000 to make the switch to rugby. He joins figures like Kalyn Ponga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who have also been linked with the league. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett recently warned the NRL about the threat R360 poses to the league. The NRL is the toughest competition in the world with the best athletes.