R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.