R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.