R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with 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 reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.