R360 Players Face 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.