R360 Competition Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.