R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

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

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.