England ace Freddie Steward issued a blunt reply when quizzed on reports that a lucrative breakaway league, featuring many of the world’s best players, could be set up in the not-too-distant future.
It has been claimed that around 200 players have been targeted in a proposal to have eight franchise teams competing in a global competition. A significant number of top players have already signed up to the league, according to The Telegraph.
The plan is reportedly being supported by a number of wealthy investors from England and the USA. It would see the eight teams playing at different ‘festivals’ in cities around the world, which could risk an LIV Golf-style split within the sport.
It has been suggested that players could be forced to choose between club and country if World Rugby and national unions oppose the audacious plot.
Steward was quizzed on the news ahead of England’s upcoming game against South Africa but remained tight-lipped, saying: “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.”
Those backing the proposal reportedly want to transform club rugby in a similar way to the IPL in cricket. Top players are said to have been persuaded to join the breakaway league with salaries in excess of £700,000 per year.
A source allegedly told The Telegraph: “We want more fan engagement, a better product on the field, fewer games for players and a commercial model to allow more money to flow into the game at every level by appealing to new audiences.
“We want to remove barriers of entry to the sport by taking it to all corners of the world. There will be a full release for international games because that is the pinnacle for every player, but we want to enhance and amplify the sport to protect its future.”
It remains to be seen if the ambitious plot will take shape over the coming years, with a potential start date in 2026. If the league goes ahead, it would change the face of the sport and risk a huge rift between its backers and World Rugby.
It has been reported that Scotland ace Finn Russell is among the players to have been approached by the breakaway league. France scrum-half Antoine Dupont is also thought to be a target, with the 28-year-old said to personify ‘the best of the best’.
Several leading English players are reportedly on the league’s wish list as well as internationals from France, South Africa and New Zealand.
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