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

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.