R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has announced that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential union prohibitions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.