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

Rugby league's administration has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.