Mike Tindall has secured three years of funding for a breakaway rugby league, which he believes will transform the sport.
The former England international, who is married to King Charles III’s niece Zara Tindall, confirmed the backing in September, marking the most significant step yet in his bid to launch a global competition.
As the son-in-law of Princess Anne, Mike has long balanced his royal connections with a high-profile sporting career.
Since retiring from the game, he has appeared on I’m A Celebrity, launched a podcast with fellow former rugby stars, and continued his involvement in charitable and commercial projects linked to his royal role.
Mike Tindall secures three years of funding to form rebel rugby league
|PA
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This latest move demonstrates how one of the most prominent royal in-laws is now looking to make his mark in the business of global sport.
Known as R360, the proposed competition is billed as a franchise league that would “deliver generational change” in rugby.
Mike is leading the project with former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper, sports marketing executive Mark Spoors and lawyer John Loffhagen, who previously worked on LIV Golf.
According to reports, more than 200 players have already expressed interest, with contracts worth up to $1million (£740,000) a season.
Zara and Mike Tindall celebrating the Lions winning in Australia
| INSTAGRAM / MIKE TINDALLTargets are said to include Louis Rees-Zammit, recently back from his stint in American football, as well as British & Irish Lions forward Jac Morgan.
International stars from South Africa, Argentina, Australia and the Pacific Islands are also believed to be in discussions.
The league is expected to feature 12 teams across major global cities, with Tokyo, London, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston and Miami among the locations being considered.
Backers are thought to include Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox, as well as the Glazer family, who control Manchester United.
Mike Tindall pictured with a bloodied face after participating in a rugby match
|INSTAGRAM / THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY
Mike explained the motivation behind the project: “Rugby is feeling the fallout of the last few years with financial mismanagement, declining investment in the club game and a product that is struggling to evolve.
“Rugby’s lack of innovation and ability to change risks losing its appeal to new audiences and its younger market.”
The venture has already drawn comparisons to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, and while it has faced criticism within rugby, Mike insists the new format will give players more freedom.
Zara and Mike Tindall cheering on the British and Irish Lions | INSTAGRAM / MIKE TINDALLProposals include shorter seasons, more generous pay, family benefits such as funded travel, and greater rest periods for athletes.
As a royal by marriage, Mike is unlikely ever to take on formal duties, but his public profile and close connection to the King ensure his projects receive significant attention.
With Forest Lodge set to become the new Windsor home of Prince William and Princess Kate, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh increasing their own public roles, Mike’s latest move shows the expanding range of ways royal relatives are carving out lives beyond the Palace.