R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.