R360 Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief the official.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.