Empty Rugby Stadium Ready for League Stars Tournament

Exeter’s Rob Baxter: No R360 Approaches Yet for League Stars

As 2026 approaches, the rugby union world is filled with speculation regarding R360, a global franchise competition aiming to integrate rugby with league stars and top international players for a worldwide tournament. Baxter, the head coach for the Exeter Chiefs, asserts that no communications has been made with R360 regarding players from his club.

In the absence of communications, it brings forth the uncertainty of there vision or R360, which is supported from high profile individuals such as Mike Tindall, a former England rugby captain. Baxter’s response brings a sense of calm with the reality of current high profile sponsors such as Red Bull and the rapid changes that have been made to the sport.

What is R360 and Why Are League Stars Involved?

R360 is promoting themselves as the new revolution in rugby by forming 12 franchise teams, 8 men’s and 4 women’s. They will streamline the top rugby union and league players across the globe into one high level tournament to be held at different international venues.

The new competition is designed to mimic popular league sporting formats like the IPL (Indian Premier League in cricket), made to attract high-interest audiences with a global scale and high-stakes competition. Organizers expect the new competition to satisfy the newly recorded demand and appetite for the sport of rugby since it is growing in popularity and demand in the world with more supporters in the Northern and Southern hemisphere.

However, among the excitement and possibilities, Rob Baxter seems to be far more cautious.

Rob Baxter Speaks: “No Conversations have Happened”

The other day in a recorded interview, Baxter had stated his opinions regarding R360, specifically. As compared to other countries in Australia and the rugby circle and top competitions in other rugby nations, Baxter claims to hear no inquiries regarding the Exeter center and top players. No players are associated with Rugby 360.

“So, for us, normal recruitment is underway.”

Baxter is also being and having a calm statement in the evidence of the much remaining hype. No statements to Baxter also show that simple logic is the only reasoning that is to be accepted.

Star Talent at Exeter Yet to Be Approached

Exeter Chiefs has a great team lineup that could participate in a global competition like R360. Just to name a few:

  • Henry Slade (England)
  • Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
  • Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
  • Len Ikitau und Tom Hooper (Australia)

Having played at international rugby the highest levels, they qualify as league stars. So far, there is no indication that R360 has shown interest in the signed players, at least in public.

Baxter even mentioned that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) could explain the absence of news pertaining to any negotiations. But, to the other side, there is no denial of any negotiations to ‘non-disclosure’ either.

“It is a bit of a non-story until I see some facts and figures,” Baxter said.

A Growing League at Home: Red Bull, The Prem, and RFU Support

R360 is looking to scoop league stars around the world, and at the same time, England’s RUgby has also been changing. The newly revamped Premiership Rugby – called The Prem – has seen new investments, notably from Red Bull, which recently bought shares in Newcastle Falcons.

Also, RFU central contracts have given England league stars internationals more financial security, which has made the English setup more attractive. Surprisingly, this was one of the more positive comments Baxter made. But he was also right. Players have a lot more to work with these days.

“I think it’s good to see us growing our product here and getting on with what we’re doing.”

This is a positive because, as Baxter suggests, the rugby ecosystem should improve as the English Premiership continues to thrive.

Is R360 a Gamble for League Stars?

The big question is whether R360 is all just hype, or whether it truly has the potential to attract the best league stars in the world.

As a pragmatist, Baxter suggests there are still a lot of unanswered logistical questions:

  • Franchise ownership?
  • Player compensation?
  • Required regulatory approvals?

Integration of the tournament into the existing national and international calendars?

These are all relevant questions, particularly for players who currently have no shortage of financially lucrative domestic competitions and international exposure.

“There is so much that does not look right or lie right… I assume anyone is going to take a little risk with any new rugby competitive match or cross match, right?”

The Magnitude: The Average Audience for the League Players is the World

The fascination with R360 is obvious. The potential for massive ratings and commercial success is there, advertising for a global championship while the best rugby union and league cross codes stars play in a circuit for some of the most recognized rugby stone shelters across the world.

Picture a match with the likes of Slade, Feyi-Waboso, and Jenkins and their southern hemisphere heavy weights, in their rugby league, playing in Tokyo for one week and in New York the following week. That is the vision R360 is promoting, and for most fans, it is enticing.

Currently, however, that vision is nothing more than a vision.

Conclusion: Waiting for League Players and Teams

As the R360 in the Rugby world moves in toward 2025, it is likely stronger pieces about the R360 will come forward. Until then, people like Rob Baxter will be take a watch and wait position.

His point is simple, No engagements have been done, no plans are changing, and the league stars at Exeter are completely loyal to the clubs mission and are still sticking with the clubs mission and vision.

For R360 to thrive, it needs the talent and, crucially, the trust of clubs, unions and players. That trust will take time and information — contracts, structure, governance, and schedules.

Till then, the rugby world continues to turn, with England’s league stars kept firmly earthbound by The Prem, RFU-backed contracts, and a strong domestic setup.

Reference Website : https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/czew2r715lno

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