R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

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

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.