R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.