R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.