The proposed R360 rugby league, which promised to revolutionise the sport with lucrative player contracts, has officially postponed its launch by two years.
The rebel competition will now begin in 2028 instead of its originally scheduled September 2026 start date, organisers confirmed on Friday.
Strategic Delay for Global Impact
Led by England's 2003 World Cup hero Mike Tindall and prominent rugby agent Mark Spoors, R360 stated the decision was 'proactive' and followed extensive consultation with stakeholders.
In an official statement, the league explained: 'The R360 Board and its investors, led by Non-Executive Chairman and investor Martin Gilbert, have determined that a full launch in 2028 offers stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty, and a significantly more favourable environment for players, fans, partners and the broader rugby community.'
The delay will provide R360 with additional time to build credibility, continue partnership discussions, and position the league for maximum global impact from its inception.
Player Welfare and Commercial Vision
Mike Tindall emphasised that the postponement was a strategic move rather than a setback. 'Launching under compressed timelines would not meet the standards we set for R360,' he stated.
The former England centre highlighted the league's commitment to player welfare, noting that many of the world's top male and female players have expressed strong interest in joining.
R360 had previously promised contracts worth nearly £800,000 and described itself as offering 'generational change' in rugby.
Tindall explained the league's vision: 'Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby - a competition that keeps fans engaged year-round, brings new audiences into the game and elevates both male and female players on a global stage.'
Filling Rugby's Market Gap
The R360 project aims to address what organisers see as a clear gap in the rugby market. While international rugby attracts massive audiences, Tindall noted that most players outside major fixtures aren't household names, and club rugby's reach remains limited to core fans.
The league intends to complement the existing rugby calendar, particularly following the 2027 Women's Lions Tour and Men's Rugby World Cup.
Tindall pointed to other sports like cricket, Formula 1, and football that have successfully found new ways to engage audiences, suggesting rugby has a similar opportunity for evolution.
The R360 board remains 'absolutely determined' to bring the competition to life at full scale, promising something 'bold and new' that will resonate globally when it launches in 2028.
