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

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.