R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.