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

The NRL's authority has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.