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

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

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

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

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.