R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.