R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top NRL players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.