R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

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

Several leading union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.