The company behind R360, a planned all-star rugby start-up, has been ordered to publish its overdue accounts or face dissolution. AOTG Sport, the entity behind the venture, was scheduled to file its accounts with Companies House in July but failed to do so. This has resulted in a strike-off notice being issued, giving the company two months to submit the required paperwork.
AOTG Sport attributes the delay to an error by its accountants and expects the matter to be resolved by early next week. The company maintains that the proposed global series remains on track for its rescheduled launch in 2028.
"We remain absolutely determined to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact," said Mike Tindall, the public face of the project, in November when the series' launch was postponed from its original October 2026 date. "We're building something bold and new that will resonate globally - and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028."
R360 was envisioned as a five-month, Formula 1-style circuit featuring eight men's and four women's teams, with top players competing in major world cities. Potential venues discussed included New York's MetLife Stadium, Barcelona's Nou Camp, and Dublin's Croke Park.
However, the project has faced significant opposition. Eight leading Test nations and the British and Irish Lions have mounted a concerted move against it. Organizers claimed to have secured commitments from nearly 200 male players, but resolving scheduling conflicts with existing international tournaments proved difficult. World Rugby, the sport's governing body, had not provided ratification without assurances on player release during the Test window. Additionally, England, Ireland, and Scotland announced they would not select players who signed up for the new series.
Several prominent players, including England fly-halves George Ford and Fin Smith, reportedly opted to remain with their current clubs rather than join R360. Securing top talent and venues, as well as marketing a new event outside traditional rugby strongholds, will require substantial funding.
As of December, directors Stuart Hooper, former Bath coach, and prominent player agent Mark Spoors held the majority of shares in AOTG Sport. United Arab Emirates-based investment firm 885 Capital is the largest outside investor, also involved with the influencer-focused football event Baller League.