R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.