South Africa’s Vodacom URC franchises have voiced growing concern about the proposed R360 competition.
The franchises believe the breakaway tournament could disrupt squad stability, undermine existing structures and tempt top players away with big-money offers.
According to reports, R360 will initially involve six to eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, and hopes to attract 300 of the world’s best players.
News24 understands that the fee for a top-tier, non-Springbok could be as high as R10-million for one R360 season.
On Tuesday, the national unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy said in a joint statement that players who joined R360 would make themselves ineligible for national team selection.
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Next year’s inaugural R360 is set to take place in two phases – from April to June and August to September.
“I think the URC teams are most at risk because it sits right in our window,” one franchise head told News24. “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.”
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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.
“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.”
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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.
“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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