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

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.