R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.