LONDON (AP) — R360 , a proposed new rugby competition, is pushing back plans to launch its first season until 2028.

The rebel group originally said earlier this year that it wanted to hold its first games in Sept. 2026.

However, in a statement issued Friday R360 said its board and investors have “determined that a full launch in 2028 offers stronger market conditions, greater commercial certainty, and a significantly more favorable environment for players, fans, partners and the broader rugby community.”

R360 is a start-up fronted by former England international Mike Tindall, who is married to Zara Phillips — a niece of King Charles — and is a 2003 World Cup winner.

“The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. Launching under compressed timelin

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