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

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

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