Application deferred until at least next June
Planned launch next September now appears unrealistic
Rugby union’s proposed R360 breakaway league has deferred its application for sanctioning by World Rugby until at least next June in a setback for plans to launch next year.
The Guardian has learned that an application for official approval that was due to be discussed by the World Rugby Council on 23 September has been withdrawn, raising questions over whether the rebel league will be able to launch next September.
Under World Rugby regulations all cross-border competitions must apply to the governing body for sanctioning and satisfy legal requirements regarding player welfare, medical provision, respecting the existing calendar particularly contractually agreed international windows, as well as providing reassurances over anti-doping compliance.
