R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

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

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.