R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.