Eight of world rugby’s leading unions — including England and Scotland — have jointly stated that any player who signs up to the breakaway R360 competition will be ineligible for international selection. The sanction applies to both men’s and women’s rugby and targets athletes who join the new, rebel league fronted by former England international Mike Tindall.
What has been announced
In a coordinated move, the rugby unions of the following nations have agreed to block R360 players from national-team duty:
- England
- Scotland
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Australia
- South Africa
- France
- Italy
The joint stance makes clear that participation in R360 would render players ineligible for internationals, effectively closing the door on Test rugby for anyone who commits to the new league.
R360: a breakaway competition
R360 is presented as a breakaway, or “rebel,” competition positioned outside existing structures. It is being fronted by Mike Tindall, the former England centre and World Cup winner. While full details of the format and calendar are yet to be widely disclosed, the project’s emergence has prompted an immediate and firm response from established unions.
Implications for players and national teams
The unions’ stance sets a clear choice for players: R360 or international rugby. For athletes with ambitions to represent their countries at the highest level, including in major tournaments and tours, the ineligibility ruling is a significant deterrent. The measure applies across both men’s and women’s pathways, underlining the breadth of its impact.
Scotland’s position
Scotland has explicitly confirmed that any player — male or female — who signs with R360 will not be eligible to play international rugby. This aligns Scotland with the broader coalition of unions and reinforces a unified position across the Home Nations and leading southern hemisphere powers.
Why this matters
Test rugby is the pinnacle of the sport for many players, and selection policies often influence career decisions. By drawing a bright line around eligibility, these eight unions are seeking to protect existing competitions and calendars while discouraging fragmentation of the elite game.
What comes next
Further details about R360’s structure, schedule, and participating players are anticipated. For now, the joint statement serves as a clear marker: any move toward the breakaway league will carry immediate international consequences. More information is expected as the situation develops.
Keywords: R360, rebel rugby league, international selection ban, England rugby, Scotland rugby, Mike Tindall, Test rugby eligibility, eight unions, breakaway competition.
