"We don't want the best players in the competition not playing for us or the teams playing against us, said Baxter, who takes his unbeaten Chiefs side to Bristol on Saturday. I want us to be attractive to players like Len Ikitau and [fellow Wallaby signing] Tom Hooper and for them to think they're playing in a frontline competition. For me we've got a very good competition here."
"Ikitau, 27, who has signed for Exeter for this season, has made clear he wants to represent the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup but Baxter accepts a lucrative R360 deal might be attractive to some older players. Is it an opportunity for a group of players post their international careers? Potentially. But I don't know if that's what's going to make it an attractive competition."
"I know we're hearing all sorts of things about why it might be good for players because of fewer games and player welfare. It's almost like they're ignoring the huge travel issues. There won't be any training bases, is it going to be a transient medical setup? All the details around that part of things are very loose."
Rob Baxter warns that the proposed R360 league could undermine English club rugby by diverting outstanding players away from the Premiership. Exeter has signed Australian centre Len Ikitau, who wants to play for the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup, exemplifying the type of talent Baxter wants to retain. Leading unions have signalled that R360 signings could forfeit international careers, and Baxter highlights practical concerns including travel, medical setups and lack of training bases. Baxter believes effort should focus on improving existing competitions rather than creating a new rival league that may not attract sustained interest.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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