R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

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

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams based in major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.