R360 League Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.