R360 Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.