Mike Tindall’s ambitious plan to revolutionise rugby has moved closer to reality, with the England Rugby World Cup winner revealing he has secured three years of funding for his proposed breakaway competition.
The 46-year-old – who became part of the Royal Family following his marriage to King Charles III’s niece, Zara Phillips, in 2011 – is spearheading R360, a proposed franchise league that aims to deliver “generational change in rugby” and transform the sport like never before.
With former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper helping to lead the bold venture alongside Tindall, they have put forward plans to create 12 new franchise sides, each packed with the world’s top rugby stars. Earlier this year, it was reported that the former England centre was targeting a launch for R360 next year, only for funding concerns to be raised.
However, those concerns have now been resolved, with Tindall confirming that the necessary funds have been secured. While the venture has faced criticism from some within the sport, it has also received significant support and there now appears little standing in the way of the bombshell proposals becoming reality within months.
According to Tindall – who has been supported on the project by sports marketing chief Mark Spoors and former LIV Golf solicitor John Loffhagen – the rebel competition is designed to tackle rugby’s current problems, particularly financial difficulties and dwindling fan engagement.
“Rugby is feeling the fallout of the last few years with financial mismanagement, declining investment in the club game and a product that is struggling to evolve,” he said.
“Clubs around the world are feeling the strain and are being propped up by the international game. Rugby’s lack of innovation and ability to change risks losing its appeal to new audiences and its younger market.”
It’s believed that over 200 players have signed up for the rebel league, having reportedly been offered contracts worth up to approximately $1 million (£740,000) per season.
Whilst no individual players have been confirmed to be part of the proposals, it’s understood that some serious talent has already been secured for the league, with Tindall aiming to recruit those at the top of the world game. Those involved reportedly include four high-profile Springboks, as well as 10 recent England internationals, who are believed to have signed deals to join R360.
Players from Argentina, Australia and the Pacific Islands are also said to be heavily involved on the current roster, with All Blacks back-rower Ardie Savea reportedly the subect of talks to join the project. Despite Wales’ current struggles, some of the nation’s biggest names have also emerged as targets, with a handful of Welsh players provisionally agreeing deals.
Louis Rees-Zammit is rumoured to be among them, having returned to rugby with Bristol Bears, while Jac Morgan is reportedly a prime target for the project following his standout performance with the British and Irish Lions this summer.
Tindall’s recruitment isn’t limited to just rugby union’s elite, as several National Rugby League (NRL) stars are also rumoured to be considering a code switch to join the league. In the wake of Tindall’s funding announcement, reports from Australia suggest that up to 10 NRL players have committed to the new league, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax and Jye Gray.
The surge of interest in Tindall’s project is hardly surprising, given that players stand to earn significantly more money for a less gruelling fixture list. With eight men’s teams and four women’s teams proposed, it’s suggested that players will only play eight games in the inaugural season, which is slated to run from September to December next year.
Once the league is up and running, seasons are anticipated to consist of just 16 matches, a significant reduction from the current demands on players in the Premiership, URC and other leagues. In addition, R360 plans to provide players with 12 weeks off annually and fund two family trips each year to join the players wherever they are based.
The franchises will be located across the globe, with Tokyo, London, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston and Miami all being touted as potential locations. In July, MailOnline reported that Fenway Sports Group – who also own Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox FC – are keen on becoming franchise owners, along with the Glazer family, who own over 70 per cent of Manchester United.