<h2>R360 Delays Launch Until 2028 – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/misc/other-news/what-is-r360">Rebel rugby competition R360</a> delays launch until 2028, pushing back the original 2026 timeline amid regulatory pressure.</p> <p>- &nbsp; NRL stars Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax previously linked to breakaway league&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/nrl-imposes-10-year-ban-on-r360-players">facing 10-year competition bans</a>.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The global franchise model targets eight men's teams and four women's teams across major international cities.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Former England international Mike Tindall, serving as the board's public face, insisted the postponement wasn't driven by lack of player interest.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL Player Exodus Concerns Mount</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The R360 postponement comes after significant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/10-stars-set-to-join-r360">speculation linking high-profile NRL players to the breakaway competition.</a></p> <p>Melbourne Storm's Ryan Papenhuyzen and Parramatta's Zac Lomax both secured early releases from their contracts following the 2024 season, fuelling rumours about potential R360 involvement.</p> <p>The rebel rugby competition's delay represents a strategic retreat from mounting regulatory opposition.</p> <p>The NRL has implemented harsh sanctions, threatening any players who join R360 with a 10-year ban from returning to the competition.</p> <p>This unprecedented penalty demonstrates the league's determination to protect its player roster from the breakaway organisation's recruitment efforts.</p> <p>Rugby union authorities have adopted equally aggressive stances, with leading international unions warning that R360 participants would become ineligible for national team selection.</p> <p>These coordinated sanctions created significant barriers for the rebel rugby competition's player acquisition strategy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Global Franchise Model Faces Reality Check</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>R360's ambitious vision centres on establishing franchises across eight major international markets including London, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai, Boston, Cape Town, Lisbon, and Madrid.</p> <p>The competition planned to feature eight men's teams and four women's teams, positioning itself as a global alternative to traditional rugby competitions.</p> <p>Former England international Mike Tindall, serving as the board's public face, insisted the postponement wasn't driven by lack of player interest.</p> <p>However, the rebel rugby competition acknowledged that regulatory pressures resulted in several high-profile withdrawals from their recruitment pool.</p> <p>Scottish financier Martin Gilbert emerged as R360's chairman and key investor, though the organisation continues refusing to disclose other financial backers.</p> <p>This secrecy has contributed to widespread scepticism about the competition's long-term viability and funding sustainability.</p> <p>The R360 board claims over 200 leading players expressed interest in joining, including recent international representatives from autumn rugby tours and the Women's Rugby World Cup.</p> <p>However, the organisation hasn't confirmed whether these players signed binding contracts or merely expressed preliminary interest.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Timeline Realignment</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 2028 launch timeline strategically positions R360 after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, potentially reducing conflicts with international rugby calendar commitments.</p> <p>This scheduling allows players to complete World Cup obligations before considering participation in the rebel rugby competition.</p> <p>R360 officials framed the postponement as providing "stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty" while allowing collaborative discussions with rugby stakeholders. The extended timeline gives the organisation opportunity to address regulatory challenges and strengthen its commercial foundation.</p> <p>The delay also provides breathing room for resolving player welfare concerns and international eligibility disputes that have dominated R360 discussions.</p> <p>Whether this extended preparation period will overcome fundamental opposition from established rugby authorities remains uncertain.</p> <p>For Australian rugby league fans and punters following NRL player movements, the R360 postponement removes immediate uncertainty around star player departures.</p> <p>However, the 2028 timeline ensures this rebel rugby competition remains a long-term consideration for future NRL roster planning and player retention strategies.</p>