R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.