Lions Consider Ban for Players Joining Rival Rugby League
The British & Irish Lions are weighing a ban on players who participate in the proposed RugbyPass360 (R360) league, aiming to safeguard the international rugby calendar and prevent an exodus of talent, especially from the Women’s Red Roses.
Concerns center on R360’s potential clash with existing rugby commitments.While initial scheduling raised issues with the Women’s Six Nations, sources indicate adjustments have been made. However, the Lions are firm that no R360 games will occur during the period of the men’s Rugby World Cup, beginning October 1, 2027, due to prior commitments.
Home unions and the Lions acknowledge the financial incentives offered by R360 but prioritize the “primacy of international rugby.” The Rugby Football Union (RFU) explicitly cited concerns for the women’s game as a key factor in its opposition to R360, highlighting its important investment in premiership Women’s Rugby, central contracts, bonuses, and performance support, and also its role in establishing the WXV global series.
“We have invested millions into Premiership Women’s Rugby, central contracts, bonuses, and performance support to develop the women’s and girls’ game here and played a pivotal role in negotiating the structure of the new WXV global series,” the RFU stated. “We cannot therefore support this proposition.”
The newly formed Lions women’s committee, led by Carol Isherwood, a former England player and Lions board member, reportedly supports this stance.
Both the Lions and R360 declined to comment on the matter. The proposed R360 league is planned to launch in autumn 2026.
