R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.