R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.