R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union nations, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.