R360 League Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.