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It was the week that the gloves came off in the R360 affair, with the major unions playing their trump card, two years out from Rugby World Cup 2027.
It was the week that the gloves came off in the R360 affair, with the major unions playing their trump card, two years out from Rugby World Cup 2027.
Of course, the rebel league or disruptors weren’t going to take things lying down and came out swinging themselves.
We also heard from players for the first time, with one international making it abundantly clear where his priorities lie.
While sides were being taken, the rugby world united after ex-England captain Lewis Moody announced that he is the latest former player to be diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Then, there was the spectacular on-field action from France’s Top 14, England’s Gallagher PREM Rugby, and the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Here’s our favourite soundbites…
“As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition. Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
The New Zealand, Australian, South African, Irish, English, Scottish, French and Italian unions make it clear how joining R360 will affect international futures:
“It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential to grow any sport. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick-off next year. Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally.”
R360 remain full of pluck, if not details:
“Why speculate about something that’s not even on the table. They haven’t done anything yet and there’s no real concrete plan. I don’t know what their plans are, I don’t know how they’re going to do it; it doesn’t look like they are.”
South Africa scrumhalf Cobus Reinach isn’t holding out much hope for the rebels:
“My priority was to stay in England and give myself a chance to play for my country and hopefully go to a World Cup.”
England flyhalf Fin Smith explains his long-term deal with Northampton Saints:
“It sells itself being able to play in a Rugby World Cup, but in Australia, I don’t think you get the opportunity again if you miss out on it. So just having that in the back of my mind, wanting to be able to represent Australia in the 2027 World Cup, is something I want to do, 100 per cent.”
Len Ikitau isn’t jumping on the R360 train:
“You're given this diagnosis of MND and we're rightly quite emotional about it, but it's so strange because I feel like nothing's wrong. I don't feel ill. I don't feel unwell. My symptoms are very minor. I have a bit of muscle wasting in the hand and the shoulder. I'm still capable of doing anything and everything and hopefully that will continue for as long as is possible.”
Lewis Moody sums up his approach to his MND diagnosis:
“There is not a nasty bone in his body. He is the most optimistic human you can hope to find, and then he had an ability on the pitch to just turn a switch and be the most ferocious competitor.”
Moody’s fellow England World Cup winner Will Greenwood speaks for everyone:
“He was subjected to abuse as a young boy simply because he was my son. Owen had taken to rugby league even more quickly than I had. He loved the game, but at times it was hard for him because of my profile. Once, when he was playing for Wigan St Pat’s against Blackbrook, a scuffle broke out, and one of the parents ran onto the field and pushed Owen to the ground.”
Andy Farrell reveals that is has always been a rocky path for son Owen:
“It’s pretty simple, I want to be involved in the World Cup. The only way for me to do that is to go back home to New Zealand."
Richie Mo’unga explains his return home:
"I don't know at all... An operation? It's not certain yet.”
La Rochelle forwards’ coach Romain Carmignani feels frustration over Jonathan Danty’s absence:
“We needed to be at our very best to compete against a very good side and we weren’t. It was a sobering night for us.”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel is succinct about being nilled by the Stormers:
“Going out in the second half, we needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and take charge. However, we were zombie-like, walking in to going behind as we gave them penalty after penalty to allow them to piggyback up the field.”
Exeter Chiefs’ DOR Rob Baxter knows his team need to improve their discipline:
“You shouldn’t ask him for the impossible. Antoine is finishing his rehabilitation and preparing for his return to play. He will participate in training with restraint.”
Fabien Galthie insists Antoine Dupont will only train during the November window: