R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

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

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.