R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.