URC teams sound R360 alarm
South Africa’s Vodacom URC franchises have voiced growing concern about the proposed R360 competition.
They’re warning that the breakaway tournament could disrupt squad stability, undermine existing structures, and tempt top players away with big-money offers.
Few details are known about the plans, but reports have emerged it would involve six to eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, and would hope to attract the best players from all over the world to play for the competition’s franchises.
In response, the national unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy said in a joint statement on Tuesday that players who joined the R360 project would make themselves ineligible for national team selection.
MORE: R360 rebels can’t play for Boks
Speaking to News24, one franchise head said the URC sides were most vulnerable to the impact of the new global league.
“I think the URC teams are most at risk because it sits right in our window. If three or four guys leave, then it’s not a big deal. But if 10 or 15 guys leave, then it’s going to be a big issue for us.”
He warned that the R360 concept – which would feature privately owned teams without clear regional bases – risks alienating traditional supporters.
“People generally care about their home team, so not having that is such a strange thing for rugby. These franchises won’t have any geographical roots in an area, and that is my biggest fear. I wouldn’t put my money into it.”
Doubts about the project’s sustainability are also mounting.
“I question the feasibility of the whole thing, but at the same time, I think it’s real and players are signing up. It’s real and it’s a concern, because it takes away from the URC, which is our primary competition.”
Player workload and welfare emerged as another flashpoint, especially for Springboks balancing club and international duties.
“Currently the calendar is very challenging for those players who have obligations to their franchise and the Springboks. It’s a lot of rugby,” a second franchise owner said.
He added that the R360’s financial lure could quickly escalate into a major headache for established teams.
“Player welfare and workload is an increasing concern, so if you offered these guys a massive sum and told them they only had to play 12 matches a year, that’s going to be tempting. If enough of them sign up, then it becomes very real, very quickly. I’m worried about it.”
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