R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.