TL;DR
- Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax may join USA rugby's R360 competition in 2026.
- Both players need releases from their current NRL agreements with Storm and Eels.
- Discussions about their potential transfer to R360 have occurred with their agents.
- Major League Rugby offers a smooth transition for athletes between sports, despite lower pay.
The USA rugby competition in 2026 might serve as a pathway for potential R360 defectors Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax.
Although not yet confirmed, Papenhuyzen and Lomax are anticipated to confirm their transfer to R360 once they secure releases from their NRL agreements with the Storm and Eels, respectively.
Steve Hoiles, a former Wallaby and head coach for Major League Rugby's Californian Legion, has indicated that he's discussed the possibility of both players joining the league with their agents, noting that R360 isn't expected to commence until October 2026.
The financial rewards in Major League Rugby may not be substantial, but the league offers a smooth shift between different sporting codes for athletes, as stated by Hoiles.
MORE: PVL's sensational warning to NRL's R360 defectors: 'I feel very sorry'
“They are looking at what would be the right pathways for those guys if R360 starts in October,” Hoiles told Code Sports.
He added: “There are numerous advantages for those players. They can learn the sport within strong programs, away from public scrutiny. French clubs invest heavily in their foreign players and anticipate significant contributions from them.
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“The money in USA rugby isn’t great. Our salary cap is $1 million in total spend.
“It’s getting pretty tight on timings for next year but it would be good for those guys to get reintroduced for rugby if R360 happens later in the year.”