R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.