R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

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

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.