R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's administration has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.