R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.