R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.