R360 Players Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.