R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.