R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.