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

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.