R360 Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.