Mike Tindall makes defiant R360 statement as rebel league prepares for launch
Rebels.
Former England captain Mike Tindall has insisted R360 remains on course to become a major success despite the proposed breakaway competition being delayed until 2028.
Speaking to The Rugby Paper, Tindall explained why the ambitious franchise league has been pushed back until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, insisting the extra time will ultimately strengthen the project.
The competition had initially been expected to launch this autumn, with reports suggesting more than 200 provisional agreements had been reached with players from rugby union and rugby league.
However, its launch has now been postponed until 2028.
Tindall, who is fronting the project alongside former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper, believes the revised timeline will make R360 more attractive to unions and other stakeholders within the sport.
“Having to push it back to post the 2027 World Cup makes it more appealing to the Unions and makes us more appealing to everyone in the game,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“We’re working hard to pull it together and fit it into the game. Also player welfare is crucial with some having to play 11-15 internationals a year.
“So something has to give somewhere. We are trying to make sure the best players in the world don’t hit those levels of games and also get rewarded for it.”
R360 plans to establish 12 franchise teams around the world, with London, Tokyo, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston and Miami among the locations previously linked with the competition.
Players have reportedly been offered contracts worth up to $1 million per season, while the inaugural campaign would involve just eight matches and a 12-week break.
Tindall believes rugby must do more to build on the drama and entertainment produced by its biggest international competitions.
“Everyone who watched the last Six Nations saw just how good a product it can be in terms of excitement, entertainment and real drama. It’s an emotional roller coaster which was amazing from start to finish.
“While the Six Nations may be a fantastic annual event, there is still a huge need for the sport to keep capturing the attention and excitement of fans around the world.
“There is huge potential for a new tournaments with top players which fill a void between World Cups and Six Nations. For many years the game has stood still and failed to develop and create the global audience and support it deserves and needs.”
Comparing R360 to The Hundred in cricket, Tindall added:
“There is precedent there for rugby to have that sort of change. R360 can. We remain absolutely determined to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact.
“We’re building something bold and new that will resonate globally – and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028.”
