World Rugby Open to Dialogue R360: Papenhuyzen in the Spotlight

National team rugby remains the pinnacle of this sport. Alan Gilpin, World Rugby’s chief executive, emphasized on Tuesday that franchise leagues that do not offer players the opportunity to compete internationally will hardly attract the best talent. The R360 global franchise league, spearheaded by former England center Mike Tindall, is scheduled to launch in 2026. Media reports have linked this league to significant financial offers for prominent rugby union and league players.

One of the players mentioned is Ryan Papenhuyzen, star of the Melbourne Storm. It was reported that Papenhuyzen met with Tindall and other R360 executives during the British and Irish Lions’ visit to Melbourne last week. In addition to Papenhuyzen, other NRL players, such as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kalyn Ponga, have also been contacted by this emerging league.

Gilpin stated that he is open to dialogue with R360, and that world rugby leaders welcome any investment in the sport, as long as it translates into a more financially sustainable game for the players and the “broader ecosystem”.

Our position is that, regardless of the competitions that arise, we know that players want to play international rugby.

Alan Gilpin, World Rugby CEO

Gilpin highlighted the importance of the global rugby calendar and the need to ensure that any competition supported and invested in offers players the opportunity to participate in high-level events.

Regulation 9 of World Rugby requires the release of players for national team rugby in any recognized competition. Gilpin assured that the governing body will continue to insist on the availability of players for all international windows, including the British & Irish Lions tours, both Rugby World Cups and the sevens competition at the Olympic Games. Gilpin also left open the possibility of conversations with those responsible for R360, especially considering the investment that could reach rugby at a time when it is very necessary. “We need to dialogue with them when they are ready to do so,” Gilpin said. “We always say that rugby needs investment; Australia is a great example, isn’t it? Rugby is in a very competitive environment worldwide. Every sport, and beyond sport, competes for an increasingly difficult attention economy. Therefore, investment in the game is excellent, as long as that investment is directed to the right areas, as long as it creates a more financially sustainable game for the players, for the wider ecosystem, then we encourage it.” He added that it is important to understand the implications of R360.