R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the prospective union bans were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its board session next year.