R360 Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.