R360 Competition Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.