R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

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

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced last week, 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 release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.