Mike Tindall Makes Bold R360 Prediction Despite Huge Setback

The project suffered a major setback in November 2025 when organisers delayed its planned launch by two years, moving the inaugural season to 2028. The decision prompted fresh questions over whether the competition would ever get off the ground.

Since then, R360 has faced significant opposition. Eight leading Test nations, along with the British and Irish Lions, have ruled that players who sign for the competition will be unable to combine it with international rugby.

Australia's NRL has also taken a firm stance, warning that any player who leaves for R360 will receive a 10-year ban. Contracts agreed for the original 2026 launch have since been cancelled.

However, speaking to The Rugby Paper, Tindall insisted the delay was a strategic move rather than a setback.

“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.

"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."

Tindall stressed that R360 is not intended to replace rugby's biggest competitions. Instead, he sees it as a way of complementing the international calendar by providing another elite event between World Cups and Six Nations campaigns.

Interest in rugby has often dipped outside the sport's flagship tournaments, with many questioning whether the current club calendar does enough to maintain momentum. R360 aims to address that by creating a global franchise competition featuring the world's leading players.

“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.”

Under the current proposals, players could earn contracts worth up to $1 million (£740,000) per season while playing just eight matches during the opening campaign. The schedule would also include 12 weeks away from the game in an effort to improve player welfare.

Potential franchise locations include London, Tokyo, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston and Miami, highlighting the competition's ambition to establish a worldwide footprint.

Comparisons have already been drawn with cricket's The Hundred. While that tournament divided opinion among traditional supporters, it also succeeded in attracting a new audience to the sport.

R360's backers believe rugby can achieve something similar, even if many fans remain sceptical about the concept.

Tindall believes there are clear lessons to take from cricket's experience.

"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.”

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!