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

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

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

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.