R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union countries, including Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.