R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

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

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.