R360 Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

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

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

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

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.