R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential union bans were announced last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.