A Rugby Star’s Unusual Role in the NRL
Former England rugby star Mike Tindall, now part of the British Royal Family, recently made headlines for his unexpected involvement with the National Rugby League (NRL). His presence at the 2025 State of Origin III match in Sydney was not just a casual appearance but a significant event that could have broader implications for the sport.
Tindall, married to Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, attended the game as a special guest alongside his wife. He was invited by Queensland coach Billy Slater, with whom he had developed a friendship after meeting at a polo event in January 2024. The match, held at Accor Stadium in Sydney’s west, saw the Queensland Maroons secure a surprising victory over the New South Wales Blues in the deciding game of the series.
Tindall shared behind-the-scenes moments from the event on Instagram, including access to the Maroons’ dressing room. His posts highlighted the excitement of the atmosphere and praised the team’s performance. However, these images and messages might be more than just a personal celebration. They could signal a deeper interest in the NRL’s top talent, especially considering Tindall’s role as an ambassador for the breakaway rugby union competition R360.
R360: A New Player in the Rugby Landscape
R360, short for Rugby 360, is a proposed global franchise-based league set to launch in September 2026. Co-founded by Tindall, it has backing from investors across Saudi Arabia, the US, UK, and elite sports franchises such as the Premier League, F1, and NFL. The competition aims to bring together around 300 top international players in eight men’s and four women’s teams.
The structure of R360 is designed to avoid conflicts with international windows, featuring condensed seasons split between April–June and August–September. It draws inspiration from models like the IPL cricket and LIV Golf, offering city-based teams, entertainment-packed match days, and seven-figure salaries for stars. This approach is expected to attract some of the best talents in the rugby world.
Potential Recruitment War Between Leagues
With the NRL expanding from 17 to 19 teams in the coming years, competition for players is intensifying. Tindall’s involvement in R360 suggests that the new league is actively targeting NRL talent. Several high-profile players have already been linked to the rebel competition, raising concerns among NRL officials and coaches.
Kalyn Ponga, a star player for the Newcastle Knights, is one of the potential targets for R360. His openness to exploring options outside rugby league and previous experience playing the 15-a-side game make him an attractive prospect. Ryan Papenhuyzen, the Melbourne Storm fullback, is also reportedly under consideration, with a multi-million dollar offer being discussed as his current deal ends in 2026.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, a standout player for the New Zealand Warriors, has also drawn attention, with reports suggesting a contract worth around $1.5 million per season. Nathan Cleary, the Panthers’ premiership-winning halfback, is another marquee name being circled, with speculation about a potential $3 million annual offer—figures that far exceed what the NRL salary cap can accommodate.
This growing interest from R360 highlights the potential for a recruitment war between the NRL and the new league, with implications for the future of rugby in Australia and beyond. As the competition for top talent heats up, the rugby landscape may soon witness a significant shift.
