Mike Tindall: R360 will transform our game

Mike Tindall says it was the correct decision to delay the launch of Rugby R360 until after next year’s World Cup but remains confident it will be a massive success once it does spark into life.

The former England centre believes the rebel club tournament is still needed to help transform the game’s financial well-being and build its global fan base.

Tindall says player welfare was part of the decision at the end of last year to delay the launch of a competition which was due to start this autumn. It is now scheduled to kick off in 2028.

The organisers have secured more than 200 provisional player agreements but have been knocked back in their high profile recruitment programme by several international stars preferring to sign new clubs contracts.

Upbeat

The prospect of a new Club World Cup also kicking off in 2028 is likely to have an impact on R360 but Tindall remains upbeat.

He insists: “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.

“The international game is this huge beast which is the focal point of the game and attracts huge crowds and audiences around the globe.”

Huge potential

He continued: “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. It was just a shame England fell on the bad side of it.

“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.”

Elevate

Tindall, above, added: “We need to elevate the club game to bring in new fans. Bring in young fans.

“But how the structure is in rugby, it is very hard to promote the club game globally.

“If I use football’s Premier League as the example where it is consumed all around the world and people want to watch it.

“The same with Formula One and other sports which have evolved like cricket’s IPL and The Hundred, 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.”