Rugby-World Rugby chief says franchise leagues need to allow test availability


  • Rugby
  • Tuesday, 29 Jul 2025

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup Tournament Opening Press Conference - Roland Garros, Paris, France - September 4, 2023 World Rugby CEO, Alan Gilpin during the press conference REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Test rugby remains the pinnacle of the game and any franchise league that does not offer players the chance to play it is unlikely to attract top talent, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin warned on Tuesday.

The R360 global franchise league, which is fronted by former England centre Mike Tindall, is scheduled to launch in 2026 and media reports have linked it with big-money offers for top rugby union and league players.

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