National unions issued a statement last month warning that the breakaway competition would be “enormously harmful”. Photograph: Billy Stickland/InphoThe British & Irish Lions have confirmed players who sign up for the breakaway R360 competition will be ineligible for selection for the Lions women’s team’s first tour in 2027. Last month, a group of national unions, including the IRFU, issued a statement urging players away from R360, warning it would be “enormously harmful” to the health of the sport. The national unions added that men’s and women’s players who opt to participate in R360 would be ineligible for international selection, with the Lions now following suit. “As we continue preparations for the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour in 2027, the British & Irish Lions wishes to outline its position on the proposed R360 competition and provide clarity to players,” a statement issued on Wednesday read.

Source: The Irish Times November 26, 2025 16:51 UTC