Mega deals await top Springboks for ‘rugby’s version’ of the IPL as plans for USA 2026 emerge
Springboks star and an image of Indian Premier League logo.
Top international players could sign huge deals to play in what is being described as “rugby’s version of the IPL”, according to reports.
The competition could make its debut in the United States of America in 2026 with South Africa’s leading rugby agents signing contracts with the unnamed organisers as talks ramp up.
This is according to a report by South African newspaper Rapport who state that several agents confirmed efforts are being made to launch a new tournament that would take on a similar form to that of cricket’s Indian Premier League.
Rugby’s IPL
However, there are concerns that the competition could force players to choose between featuring in the tournament or playing international rugby for their country.
“The plan is to contract around 280 men’s players worldwide and around 140 women’s players for rugby’s version of the IPL,” a source told the publication.
“They’re talking about starting salaries as high as $900,000. An effort is being made to get some of the world’s top players to sign contracts.”
Where are they now? The 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks
The identities of the potential investors are not yet known, neither is when the tournament could take place in the already stacked calendar.
This raises another concern as if it does conflict with World Rugby’s international windows, players could be forced to choose between a mega contract in the competition or playing Test rugby for their country.
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Breakaway from World Rugby?
One of Rapport’s sources raised that concern and likened it to what occurred when LIV Golf started. The source doubted whether the competition could get off the ground by 2026 with similar attempts at creating such tournaments failing in the past.
“It could not succeed in the past and I doubt it will happen in 2026 despite the latest efforts,” the source said.
“I suspect World Rugby will probably have a hard time finding room in the calendar to accommodate it.
“Eventually, it could become like the LIV Golf series, where players will receive big salaries as a breakout group.
“This could mean that rugby players will have to choose between that and, for example, playing for the Springboks a year before the World Cup.”
With many of the double World Cup-winning Springboks in the twilight of their careers, the source believes that it would be an “easy decision” for some but for others the lure of winning a third World Cup, it would be far more complex.
