Black Lions withdraw from RE Super Cup, where to next? URC? R360? MLR? Australia?

Black Lions have withdrawn from the Rugby Europe Super Cup for the next 2 seasons according to recent reports! But after the Georgians got their dreams rattled by Tier 1 opposition this summer, is this the only way they can push forward with their ambitions? Do the Black Lions have to go to find a competitive league elsewhere to go get games or is a domestic division an eventual option. What we do know is, The Black Lions is actively seeking to elevate its competitive exposure by exploring participation in alternative rugby leagues. This strategic move aims to provide Georgian players with consistent, high-level competition, thereby enhancing the national team's performance on the global stage.

Current and Recent Competitions

1. EPCR Challenge Cup

Black Lion made history by becoming the first Georgian club to participate in the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup during the 2023–24 season. Their inclusion marked a significant step in integrating Georgian rugby into mainstream European competitions. Notably, they secured a victory against the Welsh side, Scarlets, demonstrating their competitiveness at this level. They will play again in the 2025/26 season with their 3 games to start the tournament are Montpellier, Connacht & US Montauban. 3 tough tests to start the tournament, but these could be the only competitive games they have this season.

2. Rugby Europe Super Cup

Since its inception in 2021, Black Lion has been a dominant force in the Rugby Europe Super Cup, clinching the championship title in all four editions up to 2024. However, in April 2025, the team announced its withdrawal from the Super Cup to pursue opportunities in more competitive leagues, aligning with their long-term development goals. They had clearly outgrown this tournament, with other nations being slow to use this tournament as the potential breeding ground for future talent.

Potential Future Opportunities

1. United Rugby Championship (URC)

Black Lion is in negotiations to join the United Rugby Championship, a premier league featuring teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales. This move is backed by World Rugby and is seen as a strategic effort to provide Georgian players with regular matches against top-tier opposition, thereby bridging the competitive gap at the international level. However, with no announcement or whispers around this for this season, it doesn’t seem to be happening this year. This would potentially be the easiest league to slot into and add to the competition rather than be at a disadvantage.

2. R360 Global Rugby League

Set to launch in 2026, R360 is an ambitious global rugby union league inspired by the franchise models of Formula 1 and the Indian Premier League. The league plans to feature eight men's and four women's professional teams, with matches hosted in major cities worldwide, including Barcelona. While Black Lion's participation has not been confirmed, the league's innovative format and substantial financial backing present a potential opportunity for the team to gain international exposure. This would be an easy franchise to form and has a readymade model that are used to travelling for games. However, with this breakaway league already growing mixed opinions about its functionality and ability to gathering fanbases that can afford to travel around the model. It could already alienate the Black Lions, with some rugby fans already disliking the noisy nature about the Georgians request to join the 6 Nations. I know they will be unfazed by that, but it wouldn’t be a benefit to grow their exposure and financial clout to recruit players and fans potentially.

3. MLR

With clubs dropping like flies and potentially only 7 clubs going to start the season, is there space to put a club like the Black Lions in the mix? I know it’s a curveball and a potential crack pot idea, but it would lead onto the NFL way of taking games abroad to widen the fanbase. I also touched on this format in my ‘Is MLR sustainable anymore?’ Article. If they could find a base in the US and then potential hold games in Tbilisi, then it could widen the pot and also drive more viewers to their online platforms. The current talent and style of play would suit the MLR too and would probably be the test they need weekly to refine the talent they have. Yeah, it’s a wild one but let me know your thoughts in the comments.

4. Australia

I have also heard whispers that they are exploring entering leagues in Australia to give them competitive game time. I honestly think this is the craziest one of all, geographically it doesn’t make sense. It makes it harder for the Georgian national team too, and how does the emerging talent access these games too?? I think they are just clutching at straws if these whispers actually have any substance in them. As can be seen from the British & Irish Lions tour over there, Australia do not really care for rugby outside of our Rugby bubble. I have been told by so many that they didn’t have a clue the Tests were happening. So commercially too, this could be an expensive screw up for the Black Lions.

Strategic Implications for Georgian Rugby

Black Lion's pursuit of inclusion in more competitive leagues aligns with Georgia's broader rugby development strategy. By securing regular, high calibre matches for its players, Georgia aims to enhance its national team's performance in international tournaments, especially given the limited opportunities to face Tier 1 nations outside of Rugby World Cups. However, playing in a league that would take their star players away from availability without major travel commitments and also potential injury crisis. It has to make sense for the players, the families, the club, the Nation & the future. Stepping away from the RE Super Cup this season may have been a bit too early, they can’t keep back filling with friendlies against clubs using their bin juice players to get a few minutes and a few quid behind the bars.

In summary, Black Lion's proactive approach to joining alternative rugby leagues reflects a strategic vision to elevate Georgian rugby on the international stage. Their ongoing negotiations and participation in prestigious competitions signify a commitment to growth and competitiveness in the global rugby arena. I can only see the URC being the best option for them in the long run, however, a stint in the MLR could do wonders for both parties.