Former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall has reiterated that his rebel R360 league is still on track to launch next year in a video message to players.
Tindall, alongside former Bath second-row Stuart Hooper and agents Mark Spoors and Leigh Hinton, aims to transform rugby with a new eight-franchise competition that will play globally. Reports suggest around 200 players have already signed pre-contracts.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages A few England stars, including Fin Smith, Immanuel Fey-Waboso and George Ford have reportedly been targeted.
Last week, World Rugby raised queries over the 120-page plan submitted by R360, meaning the tournament won’t be approved at this month’s World Rugby Council meeting. R360 will now have to wait until June for the next opportunity—just four months ahead of their planned October 2026 start date.
Despite this, Tindall remains confident. In a video seen by the Daily Mail, he told players:
"We are very much game on for season 2026. I just want to take a moment to say hello and welcome to the R360 family. This is obviously something very, very close to my heart. I'm genuinely honoured and incredibly excited by the response we've had so far. Our vision hasn't changed since day one – to change the game for you, the fans and for the good of the game."
He added:
"Like you, I am seeing a lot of speculation right now. The reason we haven't come out publicly just yet is because we have a clear, phased plan from players, coaches and team staff recruitment to stadiums, sponsorship and media partners. We're excited about the progress we've made and I'm very, very pleased to say we're on plan. And in some areas, we're ahead of plan."
"The beauty of this project is we are building it together."
R360 continues to move forward, keeping players informed as the league edges closer to launch.
EDITORS PICKS:
"Myth" - The 20 Most Overrated Rugby Stars of All Time, According to Fans
But here we are. The fans over at TheTopTens have spoken, and they’ve served up a list guaranteed to ruffle feathers. Remember — this is about perception, not just stats. Some of these names are legends. Some are cult heroes. But all of them… apparently a bit too hyped.
So, buckle up. Here are the 20 most overrated rugby players of all time — as voted by the fans.
20. Chris Ashton – Splash, But No Substance?
A prolific finisher and famous for the ‘Ash Splash’, Ashton had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But critics argue his defensive frailties and lack of versatility made him more highlight reel than complete package.
19. Semi Radradra – Highlights Don’t Win Matches
Radradra is the king of YouTube clips, with dazzling runs and offloads that leave fans breathless. Yet in the XVs game, inconsistency and shaky defence have left some wondering if the hype outshines the reality.
18. Bryan Habana – Quick as Lightning, Hot and Cold
Habana’s pace terrified defenders, and his World Cup-winning legacy is unquestioned. But some argue his domestic performances were patchy, and his reputation often outweighed week-to-week impact.
17. Sam Warburton – Captain Fantastic… Or Just Captain?
As a leader, Warburton was immense and commanded respect across the rugby world. Still, there are those who believe his actual influence at the breakdown never matched the legend of his captaincy.
16. Owen Farrell – Mr. Marmite
Farrell’s leadership, kicking, and competitive edge make him one of the most polarising figures in rugby. For some he’s England’s rock; for others he’s over-praised and lacking the flair of a truly world-class playmaker.
15. Cheslin Kolbe – Small Frame, Big Debate
Kolbe’s footwork and attacking spark have earned him superstar status, and he’s capable of magic from nothing. But detractors point out his defensive weaknesses and question whether his size makes him a liability in tight contests.
14. Paul O’Connell – The Line-Out King
A towering figure for Ireland, O’Connell’s line-out brilliance is undisputed. Still, many suggest his influence in open play was overstated compared to the adulation he received.
13. Schalk Burger – Beast or Liability?
Burger brought unmatched ferocity to every collision, cementing his place as a fan favourite. Yet his disciplinary issues and tendency to give away penalties left critics arguing he sometimes hurt his team more than he helped.
12. Maro Itoje – Hyped to the Rafters
Athletic, charismatic, and marketable, Itoje seems built for superstardom. But some feel he flatters to deceive, dominating moments rather than matches and struggling to live up to the endless hype.
11. James Haskell – More Brand Than Brawn?
A tireless worker with a big personality, Haskell always gave his all on the pitch. That said, many feel his media presence inflated his reputation far beyond his actual technical contribution.
10. Sonny Bill Williams – The Offload Obsession
SBW was box office, dazzling crowds with his offloading game and cross-code appeal. But his flashes of brilliance often masked long stretches of inconsistency, leading critics to call him style over substance.
9. Stuart Hogg – The Flying Scotsman Divides Opinion
Hogg has long been Scotland’s poster boy, lighting up games with his counter-attacking brilliance and eye for the spectacular. But critics argue his defensive frailties and occasional lapses under pressure make him more highlight player than all-round great.
8. George North – The Early Peak
North was unstoppable during his peak years between 2011 and 2013, cementing his place as one of rugby’s brightest young stars. But his decline since then, marked by defensive lapses and stagnation, has divided opinion on his true greatness.
7. Manu Tuilagi – The Nearly Man
When fit, Tuilagi could bulldoze through the best defences in the world and turn games on their head. Sadly, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from becoming the dominant force his hype once promised.
6. Alun Wyn Jones – Legend or Legacy Pick?
AWJ’s longevity and leadership cannot be denied, and his caps record is nothing short of legendary. Yet his late-career selections, seen by some as reputation-driven, have sparked debate about whether he overstayed at the top.
5. Finn Russell – Flair or Foolhardy?
Scotland’s mercurial 10 is a joy to watch when everything clicks, delivering outrageous passes and game-changing creativity. But his unpredictability often drifts into recklessness, leaving critics frustrated with his lack of control.
4. Siya Kolisi – Captain Courageous… But Overpraised?
Kolisi is a symbol of inspiration and leadership, especially after lifting the World Cup. Still, detractors suggest his personal performances don’t always match the level of praise and spotlight he receives.
3. Gavin Henson – More Tan Than Talent?
Henson had all the flair, style, and hype to be a Welsh icon for the ages. Instead, his career fizzled under the weight of off-field headlines and missed opportunities on it.
2. Sergio Parisse – Solo Showman
Parisse often looked like the lone star in an underperforming Italy side, dazzling with skills and vision. But critics argue his showmanship sometimes masked limited effectiveness in the tight exchanges where games are won.
1. Sébastien Chabal – The Caveman Myth
Chabal’s image, with the beard and bone-crunching tackles, made him a cult hero around the world. Yet when it came to consistent top-level performance, many argue he was more myth than monster.