R360 League Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.