‘These guys are big players’: World’s top rugby talent targeted for breakaway league

A LIV Golf-style breakaway league backed by US funding has already secured interest from up to 20 of the world’s leading rugby players.

In a move that could split the sport, mirroring the schism created by the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, it can be revealed that several approaches have already been made in an attempt to lure players.

The potential new league would take precedence over international and club competitions, meaning anyone taking part could be turning their backs on their country by doing so.

While the identity of the mystery financial backers cannot be disclosed at this stage, the London-based global advisory firm Milltown Partners are understood to be spearheading efforts to cast the net over professional rugby players across the globe. One inside source said: “These guys are big players.”

It is understood that several agents and executives within rugby administration have already been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to advance negotiations, with between 10 and 20 of the sport’s biggest global names indicating their interest in the lucrative opportunity.

Telegraph Sport has also spoken to other agents who are not part of the current negotiations but who are aware of the new venture, which would require mammoth financial backing to get off the ground owing to ongoing player contracts and agreements. One source with knowledge of the project estimated that $980 million would be a minimum requirement.

Tate McDermott of Australia is tackled by Henry Slade during last weekend’s Test.Credit: Getty Images

Another suggested that although unions were largely unaware of these proposals, they are further down the line than is widely appreciated. The same insider explained that the backdrop of the current Test window, with teams from around the world, including the Wallabies, based in Europe and officials congregating for World Rugby meetings, represents an opportunity for plans to gather momentum.

Should the concept continue apace, those leading it will have to prepare for a fight with the various unions and governing bodies, who will take a dim view of their star players turning their backs on the international stage. A battle in the courts would beckon.

The plans have also included one party that holds close ties to LIV, which is funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. It is not clear whether PIF are part of the rugby breakaway.

Milltown Partners declined to comment when contacted, but the PR firm has a strong reputation for specialising in discreet reputational work for high-end clients.

Recent reports in South Africa have suggested that several South African players have been contacted about an “IPL-style” tournament that would provisionally take place in the US in 2026, which received strong interest from those spoken to.

Salaries in the region of $1.3 million, the report states, be put on the table for those willing to take the risk, given any such competition could potentially throw international participation into jeopardy.

Saudi Arabia-backed LIV divided golf when it started in 2022, attracting several of the world’s top players on big-money deals who were subsequently banned from the established PGA Tour.

London Telegraph