R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

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

Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.