R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

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

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.