R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.