R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.