R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union nations, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.