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

The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

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

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.