R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.