R360 Athletes Face 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's administration has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

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

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

Eight major union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.