R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.