R360 League Players Face 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the potential union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.