R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

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

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.