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

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

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

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.