R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.