R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union nations, including Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.