R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.