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

Rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.