R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

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