R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.