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

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.