LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby Australia has established a significant barrier for NRL players looking to transition to the newly formed R360 competition. The organization has joined forces with nations such as Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Scotland, France, and Italy to announce that any player signing with R360 will be ineligible for international matches.
The R360 league is backed by Saudi Arabian oil funds and promises lucrative contracts for players not only from rugby union but also from other sports. Reports indicate that NRL players are being specifically targeted, with more than ten players on the radar. Key names include Payne Haas, Zac Lomax, Cameron Munster, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, all of whom are expected to earn over $1 million annually.
Payne Haas, in particular, has been noted for his demands, supposedly telling the R360 that he wouldn't consider any offers below $3 million per year, indicating the league's willingness to meet such requests.
A major attraction for the R360 was the initial promise that players would not face restrictions when it comes to participating in international games. This assurance includes high-profile events like the Rugby World Cup, recognized as one of the premier sporting competitions worldwide. Many NRL athletes have shown interest in competing in the 15-man format for their national teams.
Additionally, players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon, who have made recent moves to the NRL ahead of the 2025 season, are reportedly eyeing a return to rugby union for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will take place in Australia.