prem

The launch of the Club World Cup in 2028 was announced earlier this year as a way to stimulate growth, while England's top-flight Prem plans to restructure itself as a franchise league without on-pitch relegation to bring in new investors.

The TNT Sports channel he controls broadcasts England's Prem Rugby, one of the leagues that would be damaged by R360's success.

The revelations build on reporting last month by Prem Thakker of Zeteo News, who first identified Mulford as both a GHF contractor and a leader in the Infidels Motorcycles Club.

The second-highest try-scorer in Prem history - just eight behind Chris Ashton's record - Wade's imminent arrival is one of the first key moves by Newcastle following their takeover by Red Bull.

For comparison, England's Prem Rugby salary cap is £7.8m per team each season, but that also allows extra funding for one marquee player per side, while France's Top 14 sides are instructed to operate within a budget of £9.2m per season.