R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

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

Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.