R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.