The breakaway R360 league will have to wait a little longer. This ambitious global rugby competition project, driven by figures such as former England international Mike Tindall, is pushing back its launch from 2026 to 2028 for “strategic reasons linked to the market” and to “commercial readiness”.​

As a reminder, the project, dreamt up by Mike Tindall, Stuart Hooper and Mark Spoors, aims to modernise rugby with 14 international franchises, a “draft” system and matches in iconic stadiums such as the Camp Nou or the Parc des Princes. The league plans eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, with a 16-match calendar that avoids international windows in order to coexist with existing competitions.

A “parasitic” project

The postponement to 2028, announced on 28 November 2025, answers a need for “more solid market conditions” and a “favourable environment for players and fans”, avoiding a rollout under pressure. Despite interest from stars, no official signature has been confirmed, and doubts persist over the economic viability of a venture with a budget estimated at 250 million euros. The delay could ease tensions, but World Rugby’s approval remains uncertain, with the project at risk of operating on the fringes without any official framework.

France’s Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) had denounced a “parasitic” project cashing in on clubs’ investments without contributing to the French economic model. World Rugby has pushed back its examination of the file to June 2026, revising its approval criteria for private competitions, inspired by UEFA.