R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides based in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.