"The Wallabies' hopes for an unlikely Rugby Championship triumph are hanging by a thread ahead of their final match against the All Blacks in Perth on Saturday, and despite looming international upheaval the Australians are trying not to look further ahead. The final home Test for 2025 is followed by a trip to Japan and then Europe a spring tour that will demonstrate the level of improvement under coach Joe Schmidt, who will hand over the reins to Les Kiss next year."
"But beyond Schmidt's tenure, the Wallabies' goal of winning the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil now faces a new headwind, with reports the R360 startup headed by former England centre Mike Tindall has the funding to launch in 2026. I'm not sure what players have been approached, if any, Schmidt said. But the one thing I've learned and being so old is it won't really concern me."
"R360, which promises a global series in non-traditional markets such as Dubai and Boston kicking off in the second half of next year, threatens to insert another divide into a sport where club contracts and the international rugby calendar are already at odds. Rugby Australia is waiting for details, but has warned that players who sign with R360 will not be eligible for the Wallabies."
The Wallabies face a precarious chance of winning the Rugby Championship as they prepare for a final match against the All Blacks in Perth. The 2025 home Test will be followed by a trip to Japan and then Europe for a spring tour intended to measure improvement under coach Joe Schmidt, who will hand over to Les Kiss next year. The rugby calendar is set to change with an anticipated nations cup and a planned hibernation of the Rugby Championship due to alternative plans by the Springboks and All Blacks. Reports say R360, led by former England centre Mike Tindall, has funding to launch in 2026 with events in non-traditional markets. R360 threatens to deepen divides between club contracts and the international calendar, and Rugby Australia has warned that players who sign with R360 will be ineligible for the Wallabies. Schmidt recently eased restrictions on selecting overseas-based players and said he appreciates rugby traditions while expressing concern about R360, adding that he will try not to be distracted by things he cannot control.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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