R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.