Four high-profile Springboks have reportedly committed to the new R360 global franchise league, a breakaway competition set to shake up the rugby calendar from 2026.
The 12-franchise tournament – backed by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper and the lawyer behind IPL cricket and LIV Golf – aims to recruit the top 300 male and female players in the world, and launch in September 2026.
According to Telegraph Sport, R360 has already secured around 160 men on legally binding pre-contracts, most of whom have played Test rugby in the past year.
The four contracted Boks have not been named, but the group reportedly does not include star winger Cheslin Kolbe, who is eyeing a return to South Africa from Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
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The rebel league has also signed 10 England internationals from the past 12 months, and is targeting other global stars, including Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit – currently seeking a one-year club deal to pave the way for a move to R360 – and All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea, whose representatives have held talks.
While no current All Blacks are believed to have signed, interest has grown in France, where the lengthy domestic season is taking its toll on players. Ireland has been a tougher market to crack due to central contracts and tax incentives offered by the Irish Rugby Football Union
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An insider told the paper the project was now “95%” likely to launch as planned in September 2026, following positive discussions with governing bodies and players’ unions during the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
“I think this is a plane that is going to get off the runway,” the source said. “Whether it stays in the air or not is the next thing.”
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