The former England rugby captain has made a major announcement as he prepares to launch a big new project next year
09:53, 02 Oct 2025Updated 09:56, 02 Oct 2025
Tindall has targeted some of the world’s top rugby talent(Image: Getty Images)
Mike Tindall’s ambitious plan to revolutionise rugby has moved significantly closer to reality, with the England Rugby World Cup winner revealing that he has secured three years of financial backing 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 planned franchise league that seeks to deliver “generational change in rugby” and change the game like never before.
With former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper leading the bold venture alongside Tindall, they have put forward plans for establishing 12 new franchise sides, each filled with the world’s finest rugby players. Earlier this year, it was reported that the former England centre was aiming to launch R360 next year, only for funding concerns to arise.
However, those worries have now been resolved, with Tindall confirming the necessary funds have been secured. While the venture has received criticism from certain quarters, it has also garnered significant support and there appears little stopping the bombshell plans from becoming reality within months.
According to Tindall – who has been supported in the venture by sports marketing executive Mark Spoors and former LIV Golf lawyer John Loffhagen – the rebel competition is aimed at tackling rugby’s current challenges, 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.”
Tindall, pictured with his wife Zara, is aiming to create ‘generational change’ in rugby(Image: Getty Images)
It’s believed that over 200 players are on board for the rebel league, having reportedly been offered contracts worth up to approximately $1 million (£740,000) per season.
While no individual players have been confirmed as part of the proposals, it’s understood that some serious firepower has already been secured for the league, with Tindall aiming to get those at the top of the world game on board. Those involved reportedly include four high-profile Springboks, as well as 10 recent England internationals, who are believed to have signed deals with 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 subject of talks to join the league. 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, who recently returned to rugby with Bristol Bears, is rumoured to be among those involved, while Jac Morgan is reportedly a significant target for the project following his standout performance with the British and Irish Lions this summer.
Louis Rees-Zammit is a reported target for R360(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
However, it’s not just rugby union talent that Tindall is targeting, as several National Rugby League (NRL) stars are also rumoured to be considering a code switch to join the league. Following Tindall’s funding announcement at the end of September, reports from Down Under suggested that as many as 10 NRL players, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax and Jye Gray, have committed to the project.
The surge in interest in Tindall’s project is hardly surprising, given that players stand to earn significantly more money for a less demanding fixture schedule. With eight men’s teams and four women’s teams proposed, it’s been 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, it’s anticipated that seasons will consist of 16 matches, a significant decrease from the current demands on players in the Premiership, URC and beyond. 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 are set to be located across the globe, with Tokyo, London, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston and Miami all being touted as possible locations. In July, MailOnline reported that Fenway Sports Group – who also own Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox FC – were keen on becoming franchise owners, along with the Glazer family, who hold over 70 per cent of Manchester United.