R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.