R360 Competition Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union nations, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.