R360 Competition Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.