New "LIV Style" Global Rugby League

[WorkingClassRugger]

Yep but something that could harm the game we love.

That I agree on. Though I suspect it probably won't have the impact many suspect. The IRFU has come out and said they won't select anyone that signs in a chest beating statement. Overlooking that they don't select players based overseas as it currently stands. I also don't think the exodus of talent will be as vast as suspected as well. Not to the point that others won't be able to fill the gaps.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Yep you could be right there WCR, it seems sports as such is not the attraction, but the entertainment around it,

Yes and no. Sport is the core form of entertainment of these events. As is the NFL game or F1 races. But there will also be a lot of elements in attached as a more comprehensive offering.

 

[Dan54]

That I agree on. Though I suspect it probably won't have the impact many suspect. The IRFU has come out and said they won't select anyone that signs in a chest beating statement. Overlooking that they don't select players based overseas as it currently stands. I also don't think the exodus of talent will be as vast as suspected as well. Not to the point that others won't be able to fill the gaps.

Yep WCR ,I genuinely think the Island teams from SH will hurt most ,as RA has said they won't pick any from them, and NZR already have policy. I suspect it will be mainly (but not just) players near end of career. or ones that aren't really top players? Will still hurt Super a bit, and maybe NPC etc.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Yep WCR ,I genuinely think the Island teams from SH will hurt most ,as RA has said they won't pick any from them, and NZR already have policy. I suspect it will be mainly (but not just) players near end of career. or ones that aren't really top players? Will still hurt Super a bit, and maybe NPC etc.

I can actually see the PI's viewing this as a positive. The spiel is players will be given full release to play Test Rugby. For the likes of Samoa and Tonga not having to compete with clubs for availability based off money could be seen as a good thing. And with the figures being thrown around for talent it could alleviate the issues around player payments.

As for Aus and NZ. I haven't heard about any NZ players but it has been mentioned that about a dozen Wallabies but only two current squad members have signed up. I'll be interested to find out exactly who they are.

 

[Dan54]

I can actually see the PI's viewing this as a positive. The spiel is players will be given full release to play Test Rugby. For the likes of Samoa and Tonga not having to compete with clubs for availability based off money could be seen as a good thing. And with the figures being thrown around for talent it could alleviate the issues around player payments.

As for Aus and NZ. I haven't heard about any NZ players but it has been mentioned that about a dozen Wallabies but only two current squad members have signed up. I'll be interested to find out exactly who they are.

I guessing a few NZ players will go. I was wondering why Ethan Blackadder signed for one more year with super etc, and there one or 2 others that must be getting on and been found surplus to requirements at test level. Haven't been through to see who comes out of contract though.

 

[PhilClinton]

Yep, I'll give zero fucks about it, just like I give zero fucks for any T20 comps around the world.
If it becomes the norm I'll just turn my back on the sport.

I was the same as you re T20 about 10 years ago.

But honestly now I just watch because I want something competitive to watch when nothing else on. I reckon this would be the same.

 

[PhilClinton]

The NRL are planning a formal league wide response next week to address players who sign with R360.

In the latest article I saw, their bigwigs are doubting the viability of R360 competition altogether and claiming it will go broke. They’re essentially threatening their players to commit to long term job security over short term money.

I know PVL cops shit on these forums but he’s done pretty well running Racing NSW and the NRL from a financial and product perspective so it’ll be interesting how much weight his opinion holds when players are consider the new comp.

 

[Major Tom]

If it’s backed by Saudi money I’m not sure it will “go broke” as such. Can’t see it making money though.
PVL can offer his opinion but doesn’t change the fact that the money being offered players would be truly life changing.

 

[Dctarget]

The NRL are planning a formal league wide response next week to address players who sign with R360.

In the latest article I saw, their bigwigs are doubting the viability of R360 competition altogether and claiming it will go broke. They’re essentially threatening their players to commit to long term job security over short term money.

I know PVL cops shit on these forums but he’s done pretty well running Racing NSW and the NRL from a financial and product perspective so it’ll be interesting how much weight his opinion holds when players are consider the new comp.

He's such a hypocrite. Giving salary cap exemptions for clubs to poach union players but banning them from returning to League if they go 360. Happy to throw punches just not receive them.

His ban from returning to League is slightly undermined by their ability to sign for one of the 10+ clubs that can pay similar to their League salaries.

 

[Major Tom]

Also, probably no need to ban players if you don’t think it’s a threat.
PVL knows that an exodus of players to 360 would be a PR nightmare for the NRL. As much as it would mess RA around I’d enjoy it get up to watch it put horse guy in a spin.

 

[Adam84]

It will likely kill their plans to target rugby union players with salary cap dispensation.
As a comp they can't offer dispensation for union players if R360 goes ahead and it poaches 8-10, otherwise that'll only encourage NRL players to sign with rugby for 1-2 years knowing they cam come back and a large chunk of their salary is exempt so they could command more.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Was that ever a real "plan"?

Or was it just PVL making sure Hamish McLennan knew where the real power was after HM got all aggressive with the league signings?

 

[KOB1987]

The NRL are planning a formal league wide response next week to address players who sign with R360.

In the latest article I saw, their bigwigs are doubting the viability of R360 competition altogether and claiming it will go broke. They’re essentially threatening their players to commit to long term job security over short term money.

I know PVL cops shit on these forums but he’s done pretty well running Racing NSW and the NRL from a financial and product perspective so it’ll be interesting how much weight his opinion holds when players are consider the new comp.

Racing NSW is up the shit financially, he's been using industry funds to pay the prizemoney for his 'novelty races', hence why he is trying to force the ATC into administration so that he can appoint a new board to approve the sale of Rosehill which in turn means the ATC has to repay an interest free $135m loan to Racing NSW (it's only required to be repaid if there are asset sales to fund it).

As for the NRL, it's not really financially related, but I do know that at least half the employees will leave if he is appointed CEO.

The bloke is universally despised by stakeholders in both sports. I stand corrected - the boards of the NRL clubs love him because he gives them money.

 

[Adam84]

Was that ever a real "plan"?

Or was it just PVL making sure Hamish McLennan knew where the real power was after HM got all aggressive with the league signings?

Was supported by a handful of clubs apparently, not endorsed by all. It’s just like increasing dispensation for locally developed players, supported by a few key clubs but struggles to get support as some clubs feel they’ll be disadvantaged, or not as advantaged as others.

 

[Wilson]

Was supported by a handful of clubs apparently, not endorsed by all. It’s just like increasing dispensation for locally developed players, supported by a few key clubs but struggles to get support as some clubs feel they’ll be disadvantaged, or not as advantaged as others.

The only way I can see it functioning, and enough of the clubs supporting it, is if it's a special allowance for the new clubs only (PNG, Perth Bears, and anyone else to come in) in their early years to ensure they're bringing talent in/back and minimize their impact on the other clubs. Theoretically it would only apply for signings made in their first 2ish years, probably with a minimum contract length but also a maximum exemption period and value. The wash up of that is about 4 'big name' players, and probably less than that coming from current super rugby stocks.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Nobody will be banned. Clubs will have the shits when they lose someone but also jump at the first opportunity to sign someone else who may want back and is a talent.

Also, probably no need to ban players if you don’t think it’s a threat.
PVL knows that an exodus of players to 360 would be a PR nightmare for the NRL. As much as it would mess RA around I’d enjoy it get up to watch it put horse guy in a spin.

The problem is longer term it can hurt Rugby much more as we don't have the pool to pull from. Rugby loses 5-10 genuinely good players it can tank the sides. The NRL replenishes itself over and over again much quicker and if they want will reach into Rugby's small pool and pay a 18 year old 300k to see.

 

[Wilson]

England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have all said players in r360 won't be eligible for national selection in a joint statement:

Rugby Australia joins seven fellow national unions in firm R360 stance

www.rugby.com.au

South Africa is the big one here - given they otherwise have open selection the expectation would likely have been quite a few current Springboks joining this comp.

 

[Dan54]

Bloody great!!!!

 

[Dismal Pillock]

LOL thats that rogered then.

England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have all said players in r360 won't be eligible for national selection in a joint statement:

No Japan in there. If it does go ahead, I guess the whole circus will be reduced to starting with "established" mercenaries- the Sean Mcmahons, the Harry Hockings etc - and hope to build from there.

Which it won't.

The people of Barthelona:
"Heyyy, lets go watch Shithead Frizzle and Genia and Quade play ruggers this weekend"
"Who?"

 

[PhilClinton]

A couple of things in that statement.

1. Didn’t Waugh actually meet with Tindall or other members of the R360 during the Lions tour? It says in the statement they didn’t meet with nations and provide collaboration.

2. This statement seems very focused on profits and money in rugby, it’s mentioned a few times.

To me, this reads more like a bunch of core rugby nations making a point that this comp is well funded but they aren’t seeing a single dollar for providing all the talent. I can see a scenario where R360 propose some type of licensing fee or percentage of profit being distributed amongst the countries based on how many players are represented. I have a feeling that would change things.

3. Do we really think players are going to be deterred by this? If there is guaranteed money involved and someone can make 4 years worth of earnings playing in 2 short seasons and then go play in Japan does it really matter?