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

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.