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

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.