R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.