"R360, a proposed new rugby union competition, could be the death knell for club rugby around the world if it gets off the ground. According to Michelle Orange, co-owner of Sale, the venture risks killing off the sport by creating a conveyor belt of talent that clubs cannot compete with.
Orange and fellow owners have warned that they would withdraw from rugby rather than become R360 feeder clubs, citing concerns about the financial sustainability of the new competition. "If [R360] were to happen, I honestly think it will be the death knell for Premiership club rugby, not just in England, I think around the world," Orange said.
The proposed league would feature eight men's teams and four women's teams competing on an F1-style circuit of events in major world cities. However, Orange argues that this approach would create a system where players are more interested in joining R360 than staying with their current club, leading to a brain drain for clubs.
R360's organisers claim the league will soon turn a profit by attracting fans who watch Test rugby but don't follow the current club game, as well as new audiences. However, Orange believes that this approach is flawed and would ultimately harm the sport.
The impact of R360 on women's rugby is also a major concern for Orange. She argues that the competition could decimate the Premiership Women's Rugby league if it recruits too many players, leading to a loss of talent and financial sustainability for clubs.
Overall, Michelle Orange and other club owners are sounding the alarm about the potential risks of R360 and its impact on the sport of rugby union."
Orange and fellow owners have warned that they would withdraw from rugby rather than become R360 feeder clubs, citing concerns about the financial sustainability of the new competition. "If [R360] were to happen, I honestly think it will be the death knell for Premiership club rugby, not just in England, I think around the world," Orange said.
The proposed league would feature eight men's teams and four women's teams competing on an F1-style circuit of events in major world cities. However, Orange argues that this approach would create a system where players are more interested in joining R360 than staying with their current club, leading to a brain drain for clubs.
R360's organisers claim the league will soon turn a profit by attracting fans who watch Test rugby but don't follow the current club game, as well as new audiences. However, Orange believes that this approach is flawed and would ultimately harm the sport.
The impact of R360 on women's rugby is also a major concern for Orange. She argues that the competition could decimate the Premiership Women's Rugby league if it recruits too many players, leading to a loss of talent and financial sustainability for clubs.
Overall, Michelle Orange and other club owners are sounding the alarm about the potential risks of R360 and its impact on the sport of rugby union."