R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.