Players who join the R360 global franchise league will be ineligible for international selection, the rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy said on Tuesday.

The R360 league, fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall, is due to launch in 2026 and media reports have linked it with big-money offers for top rugby union and league players, but the unions are united in their opposition.

"As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition," the unions said in a rare joint statement.

"International rugby and our major competitions remain the financial and cultural engine that sustains every level of the game — from grassroots participat

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