R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

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

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.