Sale Sharks co-owner Michelle Orange has warned that the proposed R360 competition — a new global, F1-style rugby union circuit fronted by ex-England star Mike Tindall — threatens to destroy club rugby worldwide, particularly the women’s game.
With plans for eight men’s and four women’s teams, R360 hopes to lure top talent with big salaries and a touring model, but Orange told British state media clubs like Sale will not keep investing in player pathways only to lose their best players without compensation.
While organisers insist the league will reach new audiences, it has yet to secure major signings, and eight Test nations have already banned R360 players from national selection.
Orange believes the women’s Premiership would be devastated by the loss of up to 140 players, calling the player pool too shallow to survive such a hit. The concept has also drawn criticism from rugby league officials, with Australian ARLC chair Peter V’landys branding R360 a “pirate” competition and urging players to demand financial guarantees.
