Proposed global rugby league competition R360 has delayed its launch until 2028, organisers announced on Friday in a stunning development to its disruption of the sport.
The competition, which had been aggressively pursuing the signings of top NRL talent — including Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen — cited “greater commercial certainty and a significantly more favourable environment for players and fans” among its reasons for the two-year delay.
The move leaves the likes of those stars, who had their deals with the Eels and Storm respectively ended after the 2025 season, in limbo for two years.
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Broncos confident Haas will stay | 00:55
R360 was set to launch in October next year and had aimed to poach more NRL players to get off the ground.
In response, the NRL announced it would ban any player defecting from the competition to R360 for 10 years.
The breakaway competition also faced staunch opposition from several rugby union boards who earlier this year united in their condemnation of its proposed launch.
The delay could influence what Payne Haas does in 2027 with the Broncos star off contract at the end of next season and facing a reported $3m a year deal from R360.
Parramatta’s Lomax, as well as Storm stars Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, have their futures now up in the air.
It’s unclear if they would stay in rugby league, switch to overseas rugby or sign with R360, and it’s only getting murkier with the promises of huge contracts and tax-free incentives suddenly up in the air.
Organisers remain confident that the 2028 launch will work, with R360 keen to “complement” world rugby to help the game grow, but the decision to delay is a huge win for the NRL and its push to keep its biggest stars.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen had been linked with the rebel league. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: The Daily Telegraph
“R360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love,” R360 board member Mike Tindall said.
“Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby – a competition that keeps fans engaged year-round, brings new audiences into the game, and elevates both male and female players on a global stage.
“International rugby attracts huge audiences and is one of the most compelling products in world sport. But most players outside the biggest fixtures aren’t yet household names.
“Club rugby is vital to the rugby ecosystem however its reach remains limited to the core fans. There is a clear gap for a global, innovative competition that can broaden rugby’s appeal and inspire a new generation of fans – and our data consistently supports that need.
“As per many other sports, evolution is critical to broadening its appeal, finding new talent and realising commercial value.
“Cricket, Formula 1, football, sailing, golf, boxing, darts – to name a few – are all finding new ways to tell new stories to new audiences and building a stronger sport. This is rugby’s opportunity.
Mike Tindall remains confident R360 will start in 2028. Picture: Alastair GrantSource: AP
“The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. Launching under compressed timelines would not meet the standards we set for R360, nor would it deliver the long-term commercial impact that the sport deserves.
“From day one, our commitment to players has been unwavering. Many of the world’s best female and male players continue to express strong interest in joining R360. We want them to thrive – not be placed under unnecessary pressure.
“Ensuring player welfare, supporting their international ambitions, and working collaboratively with the global game remain core to our approach.
“As a board we remain absolutely determined to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact. We’re building something bold and new that will resonate globally – and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028.”