R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.