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

Rugby league's authority has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

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

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced recently, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

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

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