Mike Tindall, the former England rugby captain married to Zara Phillips, has firmly rejected accusations that his breakaway R360 rugby competition has been poaching Australian rugby league talent.
Speaking whilst in Australia for the Magic Millions horse racing event, Mr Tindall insisted the NRL had fundamentally misunderstood the situation.
The royal family member emphasised that R360 operates as a rugby union venture, noting that league players would face significant challenges switching codes.
"We didn't target anyone," Mike stated. "NRL players and their agents approached us. We didn't go after them."
Mike Tindall has defended his breakaway rugby league amid claims they are poaching Australian players
|GETTY
"We're a rugby union competition. NRL players are fine athletes, but only those who could play in the back three [winger and fullback] could make the transition," he explained to News Corp.
Mike pointed to the physical toll on NRL athletes as a key factor driving interest in the alternative competition, with players expressing a desire to reduce their workload.
According to Mr Tindall, league stars believe the sport's increasing pace combined with ever-longer seasons is leaving them physically drained.
"Sam Burgess went from South Sydney to the England team [for the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup] and he didn't find it easy," he noted, highlighting the difficulties of code-switching.
The 2025 NRL season comprised 27 rounds of regular fixtures, with elite players potentially adding finals matches, three State of Origin clashes, and international representative commitments to their schedules.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys has responded with fierce criticism of the rebel venture, accusing it of attempting to lure contracted players away with substantial financial offers.
Mike Tindall is currently in Australia supporting the Magic Millions horse racing event with wife, Zara
|GETTY
The NRL has warned that athletes signing with R360 could face decade-long suspensions from the league, with the rule applying to any competition lacking recognition as a national sporting organisation by the Commission.
Mr V'landys dismissed the venture following its postponement from 2026 to 2028, declaring that those who had reportedly committed to R360 were "victims of the mirage".
"Their current business model was never going to work. It's a shame so many people were hoodwinked," Mr V'landys remarked.
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Meanwhile, Zara showed of her equestrian skills at the event in Australia, as the 44-year-old performed as an exhibition rider in the Magic Millions Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final.
Taking to Instagram, the Magic Millions organisation wrote: "We're so thrilled to witness another wonderful example of a Thoroughbred thriving in a new career beyond racing.
Zara took the time to show of her equestrian skills down under on Sunday
|"Congratulations Zara, a standout ride and a fitting celebration of the talent, adaptability and future of these exceptional horses."
The 44-year champion equestrian took to the saddle with ease as she glided her way over the course.
Zara nonchalantly worked her way through the obstacles to the approval of the onlooking crowd.
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