R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.