R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.