R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the possible union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.