R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.