R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.