South Africa is not an easy place to play rugby. Springbok fans are as combative as their two forward packs, there’s jetlag to overcome and so, too, the lung-straining air of the Highveld. Next weekend, the Wallabies play in Johannesburg which, at 1753m above sea level, is like playing on the top of Mount Buller.

But flying 14 hours west and flipping day and night may, for this trip at least, have some small benefit for Joe Schmidt. It will limit available business hours.

As the Wallabies prepare for one of the most consequential Rugby Championship tournaments ever, the spectre of the proposed R360 competition looms large over them, and the whole rugby world.

So far, we know only the rough outlines of R360’s secretive plans: a new rugby competition, fronted by royal hubby Mike Tindall, franchise-based like the IPL, and which tours the world, like Formula One. Private equity and TV rights will bankroll the competition, and investors can buy and run the franchises, eight men’s and four women’s.

Like LIV Golf, R360 has been pitched as a revolutionary new option in a rugby world that is traditional, slow to innovate and struggling financially. Many domestic teams in professional competitions have gone broke and collapsed.

Though initially viewed with scepticism last year – another revolution? – the process of getting R360 off the ground has been under way for some time. R360 agents have been recruiting hard and the frontmen have been holding meetings with key national and World Rugby officials.

Mike Tindall of the Lions runs with the ball during the Classic Wallabies v British & Irish Legends match in Melbourne last month.Credit: Getty Images

Unlike LIV, R360 says it wants to “come in the front door” and work inside the........

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