The proposed rugby breakaway league R360, fronted by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, has postponed its launch until 2028 after a series of recent setbacks.
Organisers had hoped to launch in autumn 2026, promising significant salaries and a shortened schedule, but had yet to unveil any signings or key details. The league claimed over 200 leading players had signed agreements.
However, top rugby unions issued a joint statement in October saying any player who signed up would be ineligible for international selection. Australia's NRL also banned players and agents, and the British and Irish Lions stressed rebel players would not be considered for the 2027 women's tour.
R360 confirmed in a statement that the tournament now intends to launch in 2028 to "enter the sports market at full strength". Tindall said the decision was strategic, based on timing, and that launching under compressed timelines would not meet their standards.
Meanwhile, Martin Gilbert, chairman of Revolut and co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management, has been unveiled as the league's non-executive chairman and an investor in the project.
