Rebel rugby league R360 has delayed its plans to launch in 2026 – and instead will now aim to launch with a full season in 2028.
The R360 Board and its investors, led by Non-Executive Chairman and investor Martin Gilbert, have determined that a full launch in 2028 offers stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty, and a significantly more favourable environment for players, fans, partners and the broader rugby community, a statement issued on Friday morning said.
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While R360 had in place detailed plans to launch in late 2026 with a shortened format, moving to a full season launch in 2028 will allow the series to enter the sports market at full strength, under the optimal commercial and market conditions, the board added.
“This decision will provide the necessary runway to strengthen R360’s credibility, continue collaborative discussions and partnerships with rugby’s stakeholders, and position the league to launch at full scale with maximum global impact from the outset,” the statement said.
Mike Tindall MBE, R360 Board Member, said: “R360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love. Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby – a competition that keeps fans engaged year-round, brings new audiences into the game, and elevates both male and female players on a global stage.
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“International rugby attracts huge audiences and is one of the most compelling products in world sport. But most players outside the biggest fixtures aren’t yet household names. Club rugby is vital to the rugby ecosystem however its reach remains limited to the core fans. There is a clear gap for a global, innovative competition that can broaden rugby’s appeal and inspire a new generation of fans – and our data consistently supports that need.
“As per many other sports, evolution is critical to broadening its appeal, finding new talent and realising commercial value. Cricket, Formula 1, football, sailing, golf, boxing, darts – to name a few – are all finding new ways to tell new stories to new audiences and building a stronger sport. This is rugby’s opportunity.
“The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. Launching under compressed timelines would not meet the standards we set for R360, nor would it deliver the long-term commercial impact that the sport deserves.
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“From day one, our commitment to players has been unwavering. Many of the world’s best female and male players continue to express strong interest in joining R360. We want them to thrive – not be placed under unnecessary pressure. Ensuring player welfare, supporting their international ambitions, and working collaboratively with the global game remain core to our approach.
“As a Board we remain absolutely determined to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact. We’re building something bold and new that will resonate globally – and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028.”
R360’s ambition remains to complement the rugby calendar following the inaugural Women’s Lions Tour and Men’s Rugby World Cups in 2027, creating a sustainable addition to the sport’s ecosystem.
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But eight of the 12 tier-one unions, led by England and New Zealand, have already announced that they would not select R360 players. It is understood that the Lions will follow suit, while Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are also in support of a ban.
R360 is yet to secure sanctioning from World Rugby, which wants more details over the staging of the series and the release of players for the international game.
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