No approaches from R360 yet - Exeter boss Baxter

England centre Henry Slade (left) is one of the biggest stars in Rob Baxter's Exeter squad

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he has not had any approaches for his players to join a proposed new rebel global franchise competition.

In August reports suggested upwards of 160 players had been approached to join R360.

This week reports in Australia have linked some of the country's top rugby league stars with the prospect of switching codes and joining the competition - which hopes to start in 2026.

"I haven't spoken to a single agent or player who's said to me a player is unavailable because of rugby 360," said Baxter.

"So as far as I'm concerned we're just carrying on recruitment as normal."

England players Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are among the big names at Sandy Park alongside Wales forward Dafydd Jenkins and Australia internationals Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper - who will join later this month after the Rugby Championship.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there's all kinds of non-disclosure agreements and all sorts of things in place," added Baxter.

"For me personally it's a bit of a non-story until I get to see some facts and figures or get told something, but I've not been told anything as yet."

With former England captain Mike Tindall as its figurehead R360's plan is for 12 franchises across the world - eight men's teams and four women's teams.

The hope is to get the world's best players competing alongside one another in a global tournament.

Rounds would be staged at a different venue across the world with organisers hoping it will begin next year.

It comes as England revels in a successful Women's Rugby World Cup triumph while the men's domestic season began last week having been revamped as The Prem with global giant Red Bull taking a stake in Newcastle.

Baxter feels the best players already have good opportunities in England - with Rugby Football Union (RFU) central contracts for England players bolstering the income they get from their clubs.

"What I think is good is us growing our product here and getting on with what we're doing," said Baxter.

"If the Premiership is in a good place, England rugby's in a good place. If England rugby's in a good place, rugby in England's in a good place.

"I think they've got great opportunities in playing rugby in this country and doing what we're doing now.

"I think there's so much that doesn't look like it's in place that I think anyone's going to take a bit of a gamble with any new rugby competition, aren't they?

"But I'm not talking to you with someone of knowledge of it.

"None of these conversations have happened as yet. If they start happening, I'm sure we'll all know about it very, very quickly."