R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.