New global rugby union franchise competition in early stage of development
A rugby union league that would travel the world, akin to Formula 1, is being mooted and could feature more than 200 players, with a possible launch in 2026 of men's and women's tournaments; players would not have to make a choice between the new competition and international rugby
Friday 15 November 2024 23:48, UK
A new global franchise competition that could change the rugby union landscape is in a very early stage of development.
A league that would travel the world, akin to Formula 1, is being mooted and could feature more than 200 players, with a possible launch in 2026 of men's and women's tournaments.
It is thought that initial funding has been provided by an American backer, but the whole project is currently in a concept stage and no further on than that.
- Danny Cipriani hits out at Jones: I was never terrified of Eddie
- Sky Sports to show 2025 Lions tour of Australia
- Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App
Sky Sports News understands that players would not have to make a choice between the proposed new competition and international rugby.
A core element is that there would be no conflict with the international calendar, allowing players the opportunity to still feature at Test level, a source said.
Trending
- Amorim questions decision-making from Rashford's camp
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Bayern want Dortmund's English winger Gittens
- Papers: Arsenal fear Saka could be out until March
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Fury 'robbed'? What do the stats reveal?
- PL Predictions: Forest to turn up heat on stubborn Ange
- Saka out for 'many weeks' with hamstring injury
- Amorim's Sporting replacement set to be sacked - Portuguese media
- Cross and Chisnall suffer shock exits in marathon Ally Pally session
- Double blow! Sterling out 'for a while' - so will Arsenal sign a winger?
- Liverpool latest: Van Dijk plays down quadruple talk
A possible 14-week season is being mooted, with players earning substantial six-figure salaries.
England full-back Freddie Steward, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with South Africa, revealed he had no knowledge of the competition.
"This is the first I've heard about it. It's news to me. I haven't got the brain capacity to think about it - I've got a Test match in two days," Steward said.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
