R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.