Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is focused on keeping his players away from distractions posed by the upcoming R360 rugby competition, which aims to capture the attention of star players with substantial financial offers. Despite being set to launch on October 2 next year, Rugby Australia has indicated it may blacklist any Wallabies who choose to join this new league.
R360, which will feature six men’s and four women’s teams with franchises located in cities like London, Miami, and Tokyo, has been spearheaded by former England international Mike Tindall. Schmidt, speaking to the media in Perth, stated that the topic had not been a point of discussion among the players, emphasising his intent to focus solely on the immediate challenges rather than potential future concerns.
As someone who came to coaching through his school teaching career and who fondly remembers the amateur roots of rugby in New Zealand, Schmidt expressed a mixed view about the emerging concept of R360. He likened it to the IPL in cricket, recognising its possible transformative impact while also valuing traditional forms of the sport. Although he sees appeal in innovations like those in the Big Bash League, Schmidt is unsure what the future of R360 will hold and how it might affect the sport’s core values.
He is optimistic about the Wallabies’ relevance among young fans, citing a sold-out match at Allianz Stadium filled with children expressing pride in the team. Schmidt believes it is crucial to maintain and enhance that connection to ensure a vibrant future for rugby in Australia.
Furthermore, he commented on the international scope of R360, suggesting that including teams in cities like Lisbon and Madrid follows the growing influence of rugby in Spain and Portugal, particularly in sevens. He sees the potential for R360 to create a unique spectator experience that transcends traditional rugby matches.
Schmidt’s primary focus remains on the Wallabies’ performance in the present, while acknowledging that the future of competitions like R360 will require careful navigation to ensure balance between tradition and innovation in the sport.