Mike Tindall appears to be risking conflict with Princess Anne, Princess Kate and Prince William after his latest move.
The former England rugby star will likely find himself at odds with his royal relatives over his role in establishing R360, a proposed breakaway rugby competition.
The 47-year-old, who is married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara, serves as one of the founding figures behind the controversial franchise league.
His involvement places him in direct conflict with several senior royals who hold patronage positions within traditional rugby unions.
Mike Tindall risks conflict with Princess Anne, Kate, and William after latest move
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Prince William serves as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, whilst Kate holds the equivalent position for England's governing body.
The Princess Royal herself has long-standing ties as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, creating potential family friction over the divisive proposal that challenges rugby's established order.
The R360 initiative represents an ambitious attempt to transform professional rugby through a franchise-based model featuring twelve teams across men's and women's divisions.
Eight men's teams and four women's sides would compete in this globe-trotting tournament designed to visit different cities worldwide.
Prince William and Princess Kate attend England vs Wales rugby match in March 2025
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Mr Tindall has partnered with former Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper and sports representative Mark Spoors to launch the venture.
Financial support reportedly comes from Middle Eastern investors, drawing parallels with golf's LIV Tour disruption.
The response from established rugby authorities has been swift and severe. Eight major unions, including those from England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, have united in opposition.
Their joint declaration warns that any player signing with R360 faces exclusion from international rugby, including the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall have been married for 14 years | GETTY
Professional rugby finds itself in dire financial straits, providing crucial context for the emergence of R360. The English Premiership has witnessed catastrophic failures, with London Irish, Worcester Warriors and Wasps all entering administration within eighteen months.
Industry experts have cautioned that another Premiership club collapse appears inevitable. The crisis extends beyond elite competition, with numerous amateur fixtures cancelled annually across England.
The Rugby Football Union faces mounting criticism for neglecting community-level rugby whilst pursuing professional success. This widespread instability has created an environment where R360's promise of financial security and player welfare improvements might appeal to struggling clubs and athletes.
The breakaway league positions itself as a potential solution to rugby's economic woes, offering substantial investment at a time when traditional structures appear increasingly unsustainable.
Elite players appear reluctant to sacrifice their international careers for R360's financial incentives. Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith recently committed his future to the club through a long-term contract, ending speculation about joining the breakaway competition.
Smith explicitly stated his ambition to compete at a World Cup remains paramount: "A big goal I have for the next couple of years is to go to a World Cup." His decision reflects broader concerns amongst rugby's premier talent.
The threat of Test match exclusion proves a significant deterrent for players considering R360 offers.
This reluctance from marquee names poses substantial recruitment challenges for the rebel league, which requires star power to establish credibility and attract audiences in its battle against rugby's traditional structures.