Mike Tindall has been revealed he is spearheading a new breakaway rugby league in a social media post shared with his podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
The 46-year-old husband of Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, previously announced he was plotting a trip to Australia without mentioning if his wife would be joining him.
The former England rugby centre is listed as the co-founder and sporting director of the huge new sporting competition, dubbed R360, which promises to "drive generational change in rugby" and will feature eight male teams and four female teams in a "Grand Prix" style model.
Mike's announcement came quickly after it emerged he would be down under in July with his podcast co-hosts, leaving royal fans questioning where that left Zara and their three children.
Mike Tindall, the husband of Zara, has announced he is spearheading a new rugby league
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The revolutionary competition Mike is fronting plans to recruit "the best of the best" in rugby with salaries thought to be around double what the traditional club game can offer, reports The Telegraph.
"R360 will showcase the world’s top 300 male and female across 12 franchises teams, reducing player loads whilst being built around the International game," the announcement post, shared by Mike, began.
"It will take the best players to iconic stadiums and to new audiences to help rugby have its Super Bowl moment!"
"Heads of agreement have already been signed with dozens of players, and the league will run from April/June and August/September, with players still available for international selection," the post concluded.
Mike's announcement comes as question remain on Zara's presence during his planned July Australia visit
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The organisers are hoping to launch the competition in September next year, with the shorter calendar featuring just 16 games designed to attract big names from around the world.
R360 has already attracted multiple bids for franchises from team owners in other sports, including the NFL and Formula One, with interest from individuals across four different continents.
Mike was scathing about the current state of rugby in a brochure sent to investors.
"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," he wrote.
The former England star added: "Clubs around the world are feeling the strain and are being propped up by the international game. Rugby's lack of innovation and ability to change risks losing its appeal to new audiences and its younger market."
Mike announced his July trip to Australia alongside his podcast co-hosts, James Haskell and Alex Payne.
The trio were holding a competition for a lucky fan to join them on the excursion to watch the 2nd Test as the Lions take on the Wallabies.
Royal fans were quick to spot the post and wonder if this would be a solo venture for Mike.
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Australia holds special significance for Zara and Mike as the couple first met in Sydney
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It is not yet known if Zara, 44, will join her husband, or their three children, Mia, 11, Lena, six, and Lucas, four.
Zara and Mike have a long-standing love for Australia, dating back to their first meeting in Sydney in 2003.
They frequently visit, often attending the Magic Millions Polo and Show Jumping event on the Gold Coast.
Speculation has been rife that they might move permanently to Australia, particularly after visits and comments about how "home from home" it feels.
However, Mike has stated that it's "not on the cards" and that they are not actively looking to relocate, citing the distance and family life.
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