R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.