R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

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

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.