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

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

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.