R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.