R360 Players Face 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

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

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the potential union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

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

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.