R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.