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

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective union sanctions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.