British and Irish Lions warn players over breakaway R360 League
Lions say R360 players will be ineligible for the 2027 women’s tour.
The British and Irish Lions has issued a strong warning to women’s players that joining the proposed R360 competition will make them ineligible for selection for the historic 2027 Lions tour to New Zealand.
The announcement comes amid increasing speculation that several high-profile players have been approached by the breakaway league.
R360, a new competition reportedly backed by former England men’s international Mike Tindall, aims to launch in 2026. Some leading athletes, including England fullback and former World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne, previously said they were “open to anything” when asked about the league.
The competition has faced strong resistance from national unions across the Six Nations, who have warned both men’s and women’s players that participation could jeopardise international careers.
With the first-ever British and Irish Lions women’s tour scheduled for 2027 in New Zealand, the Lions leadership moved to clarify their position. In a formal statement, the organisation said that any player who joins R360 will not be considered for the tour, emphasising full alignment with the stance taken by the home unions.
They said the inaugural women’s tour represents a milestone for the sport and stressed the need for players to compete in stable, established leagues that provide certainty in both scheduling and workload.
"As we continue preparations for the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour in 2027, The British & Irish Lions wishes to outline its position on the proposed R360 competition and provide clarity to players.
"The British & Irish Lions fully support the position of our constituent Unions in relation to the proposed competition and will be advising that any player who decides to participate in R360 will not be eligible for selection for the 2027 Tour to New Zealand.
"This is the first ever Lion’s Women Tour, a historic moment for women’s rugby and we want it to be the best it can be.
"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 British & Irish Lions will continue to work collaboratively with its Unions to support the growth of our game at all levels, ensure alignment with international and domestic calendars and prioritise player welfare."
