R360 Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.