R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.