R360 Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.