The newly proposed R360 competition has ignited debate across world rugby — and Scotland hasn’t stayed on the sidelines. As one of the national unions pushing back, Scottish Rugby has publicly joined the opposition to the breakaway league. 
But beyond opposing the concept, Scotland has a distinct stake in how R360 might reshape club, international, and player pathways. Below is a guide to R360 (for those new to it), an analysis of Scottish implications, and what to watch next.
What Is R360? A Primer
R360 (Rebel 360) is a proposed new global franchise rugby competition, championed publicly by former England centre Mike Tindall.
Key known elements to date:
- The league has courted talent from both rugby union and rugby league in pursuit of a blockbuster start.
- It plans to run with men’s and women’s franchises, launching in 2026 first with a limited number of teams.
- Teams are anticipated in global cities (London, Tokyo, Dubai, etc.), with a “grand prix‑style” circuit format rather than traditional home‑and‑away seasons.
- R360 claims it will allow players to play for national teams, with releases built into contracts.
- However, leading rugby unions have already warned that any player who joins will be deemed ineligible for international selection.
- Notably, R360 withdrew its most recent application for sanctioning by World Rugby, delaying approval until at least mid‑2026.
Thus, while R360’s ambition is bold, many key logistical, governance, and regulatory details remain unresolved — making it both exciting and deeply uncertain.
Scotland’s Role & Reaction
Scotland is not just a spectator. The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) formally joined other global unions in issuing a joint statement warning players and staff:
“As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”
In that same statement, SRU added specifically:
“Based on the limited information available, R360 has the potential to have a material negative impact on our ability to meet our funding obligations. With this in mind, we are not supportive of Scottish players playing in R360 and also for our national teams.”
So Scotland’s official position is cautious at best, opposed at worst. The underlying concerns reflect broader worries: fragmentation of revenue, drain on grassroots investment, and damage to national team integrity.
What Scotland Risks — and Could Gain
Risks
- Talent Drain to a New Franchise System – If R360 offers mega contracts, it might lure Scots (especially those on the fringes of national selection or nearing career end) away from the domestic ecosystem.
- Disruption of the Club & Pathway System – Scottish clubs invest heavily in youth development and community rugby. If top players are pulled out, that pyramid becomes weaker.
- Eligibility & Reputation – If a Scottish player signs for R360, they may be barred from representing Scotland — effectively trading club opportunity for national exclusion.
Potential Benefits (If Things Go Well)
- New Global Exposure – A Scottish player in a global franchise could gain wider visibility, commercial opportunities, and cross‑code fan reach.
- More Choice & Player Control -R360 claims players will own their IP and get more say in their scheduling. That could be appealing, especially later in careers.
- Investment Flow – If structured correctly, R360 could channel new investment into Scottish rugby via sponsorship, broadcast revenue, or shared revenue models.
But that upside requires strong guardrails: alignment with Scottish pathways, guarantees of release for Test play, and commitments to national infrastructure.
Things for Scottish Fans & Players To Look Out For
- Understand the Red Lines – If you value Scotland caps, check whether R360 contracts retain national eligibility. Many unions insist they will not.
- Evaluate the Contract Details – Player release clauses, player IP rights, medical/welfare support, and compensation for broken contracts (with existing clubs) will be critical.
- Monitor Sanctioning Status – Without World Rugby approval, R360’s legitimacy is in question. Its withdrawal of the last application underscores this uncertain path.
- Weigh Short‑Term Gains Against Long‑Term Cost – Big money now might mean exile from international rugby and a damaged domestic game later.
- Voice Through Unions & Players’ Associations – In Scotland, players should liaise with the SRU and the Scottish branch of the players’ association to push for protections.
Questions We’ll Need Answers To
- Will R360 guarantee Scottish players can continue representing Scotland (if desired)?
- How will R360 align with the Scottish domestic calendar and avoid conflicts with the URC, Six Nations, or Autumn Tests?
- What percentage of revenue will feed back into grassroots rugby in Scotland?
- How will medical, concussion, and travel welfare be managed across a global circuit?
- Can mechanisms be installed to protect younger players who sign early from losing their place in traditional pathways?
R360 is an audacious, provocative proposal — with potential to reshape the sport globally. From a our perspective, it could either represent opportunity or existential risk to the structure and ethos of national rugby, however, it is too early to lean either way.
Scotland’s early caution is wise: the details matter more now than the hype. For players, fans, and administrators, now is the time for scrutiny, engagement, and a clear national plan on whether, how, or even if Scotland will play in an R360 future.
