The British & Irish Lions have thrown their full weight behind growing resistance to the proposed R360 competition.
This includes a ban on selection for the historic first women’s Lions tour.
In a firm statement, the Lions say they “fully support the position of our constituent unions” and will advise that “any player who decides to participate in R360 will not be eligible for selection for the 2027 [women’s] tour to New Zealand”.
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Calling the inaugural women’s tour a “historic moment for women’s rugby”, the Lions stressed that stability and certainty were non-negotiable.
“With the tour just over a year and a half away, we believe it is important that players who may be selected are playing in established leagues that provide certainty on calendar and playing schedule.”
The stance aligns with bans issued by England, Ireland and Scotland, who have ruled that R360 recruits will not be considered for Test rugby. While Wales has not formally signed on, the union “supports it in principle” as its domestic review continues.
While the statement did not explicitly mention men’s tours, with the next one scheduled to New Zealand in 2029, the understanding is that the ban covers both genders.
ALSO: 10 Wales stars sign up to rebel R360
This marks the first time the Lions have restricted their selection pool. As chief executive Ben Calveley said earlier this year, the organisation historically had no restrictions on selection and did not close off players based abroad.
But with R360 yet to gain World Rugby sanctioning and concerns mounting over scheduling, player release and clarity around operations, unions are drawing firmer lines.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney reinforced the scepticism.
“We are not hearing any more on it … we can’t get distracted by things we really don’t know enough about.”
Despite reported approaches to star names, Sweeney added: “I haven’t heard of an England player, male or female, who has actually signed.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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