R360 Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the potential union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.