Lions Take Stand Against R360 Recruitment
The British & Irish Lions are preparing to implement a significant ban on players who join the rebel R360 league, in a decisive move aimed primarily at preventing England's World Cup-winning Red Roses from leaving the international stage. This strategic decision follows similar announcements from eight of the twelve tier-one rugby unions, creating a united front against the breakaway competition.
International Unions Unite Against Rebel League
England and New Zealand led the charge last month when they declared they would not select players participating in R360. They were quickly joined by Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Australia, and South Africa in supporting the ban. Only Wales and Argentina declined to implement similar restrictions, citing their smaller player pools and less developed domestic leagues as limiting factors.
The concern among rugby authorities is palpable, with several of England's World Cup champions emerging as primary targets for R360 recruitment. Full-back Ellie Kildunne acknowledged last month that she remains "open to anything" regarding her playing future, highlighting the difficult decisions facing top female players.
Financial Temptation Versus International Careers
The financial disparity between R360 offers and current women's rugby salaries presents a substantial challenge. R360 is reportedly offering individual salaries up to £270,000 - a figure that dwarfs the entire squad salary cap of £255,000 for Premiership Women's Rugby teams this season.
With the next Women's Rugby World Cup four years away, officials at the Rugby Football Union fear their star players might find these financial offers impossible to refuse, despite the prospect of being barred from international competition.
The Lions organisation, owned equally by the four home unions, hopes the historic first women's Lions tour to New Zealand in September 2027 will provide additional leverage. Many players would be reluctant to miss this landmark event in women's rugby history.
Protecting the Future of International Rugby
England's dominance in women's rugby makes their participation crucial for the Lions' success. The Red Roses have won 33 consecutive matches since their defeat to New Zealand in the 2021 World Cup final. A Lions squad without English players would be significantly weakened and risk diminishing the tour's prestige.
John Mitchell, the current England head coach, has expressed interest in leading the Lions on their three-Test tour against the Black Ferns. His potential involvement adds another layer of appeal for English players considering their options.
The Lions have attempted to engage R360 in discussions but have received no meaningful response to date. Meanwhile, details about R360's women's competition remain unclear beyond their initial plan to establish four franchises. The league has yet to confirm specific dates despite aiming to launch next September.
While there's understanding among rugby authorities about the financial appeal R360 presents to players, sources indicate that protecting international rugby's primacy remains the paramount concern. The RFU emphasised this position in their recent statement, highlighting their substantial investments in women's rugby development and their role in shaping the global WXV series.
The newly established Lions women's committee, chaired by former England player and Lions board member Carol Isherwood, has fully endorsed this protective approach towards the women's game.
