World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin has issued a clear and emphatic warning: any new franchise‑based rugby competition must allow players to represent their national teams—or risk failing to attract the sport’s top talent. Delivered at the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, his comments strike at the heart of tensions between emerging private leagues and the traditional international calendar.
Gilpin’s main message was unequivocal: in rugby union, Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game, and competitions that restrict access to international selection are unlikely to retain elite players. He stressed that opportunities to play for one’s country are non‑negotiable for players—and non‑negotiable for fans.
The backdrop to these comments is the planned launch in 2026 of R360, a global franchise competition fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall. Media reports suggest R360 is offering significant financial contracts to high‑profile players, including stars from both rugby union and rugby league—such as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Roger Tuivasa‑Sheck, and Kalyn Ponga.
Yet Gilpin made clear that World Rugby’s Regulation 9 requires recognised competitions to allow player release during all designated international windows. This includes Men’s and Women’s British & Irish Lions tours, the Rugby World Cups, and the Olympic sevens tournament. He emphasised that World Rugby will insist on this availability for all players in any sanctioned franchise competition.
“What we’re looking for,” Gilpin said, “is that whatever competitions players are going to play in, they offer the opportunity to play in those big international moments. Players want it. Fans want it. Competitions that don’t respect that framework will see players vote with their feet.”
At the same event, Gilpin also reaffirmed that World Rugby is open to dialogue with R360 and similar ventures, particularly because of the financial investment and potential benefits such models could bring. He noted the challenges rugby unions face in a competitive sports and media landscape and said that while investment is welcome, it must serve the “wider ecosystem” and foster long‑term sustainability.
He added: “Australia is a prime example… rugby is in a really competitive environment. Investment is great—as long as it drives into the right areas, supports financial sustainability for players and the game’s ecosystem.”
Gilpin’s remarks underscore a central tension in modern rugby governance: balancing the need for innovative commercial models and improved player rewards and welfare, with preserving the integrity and priority of international rugby. Many players and unions have expressed frustration at domestic seasons that can exceed 30 matches per year, compromising welfare and limiting rest. Franchise models like R360 promise shorter seasons, substantial pay, and better player care—but only if international access is safeguarded.
The mention of R360 comes amid broader speculation about global franchise models aimed at transforming rugby’s structure. These models draw inspiration from Formula 1 and the Indian Premier League in cricket, offering grand prix‑style, traveling competition weeks with entertainment and tourism elements attached, designed to attract new audiences and deliver global reach.
Gilpin stressed that any such innovations must sit alongside, not replace, the current global calendar. That means alignment with Test windows—so players can represent their countries in events like the Lions tours and World Cups. He said World Rugby will continue to require player release regardless of the franchise.
Ultimately, Gilpin’s position makes clear that while World Rugby welcomes financial innovation and private investment, it will not compromise on the sport’s core priorities. The global game must remain sustainable, rooted in its international identity, and respectful of players’ desire—and fans’ expectation—for the highest level of Test rugby.
In summary, Alan Gilpin’s central message is clear: franchise rugby leagues must guarantee Test availability under Regulation 9 and align their structures with international windows—or risk losing both players and credibility. At a time when rugby’s financial model is under strain and transformative changes may be imminent, preserving access to international representation remains non‑negotiable.
