R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

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

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

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

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.