R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby athlete in action

The athlete earned 20 international appearances for New Zealand before switching representation to the Samoan team.

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the prospective union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.

Rita Jenkins
Rita Jenkins

A financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and investment planning, dedicated to empowering others.