R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.