R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

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

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.