🔗 Share this article R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before switching loyalty to the Samoan team. The NRL's administration has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade. The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar. Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide. Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league. Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360. A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches. “We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official. “Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit. “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 gaining personally. “In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.” The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers. After the potential rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule. “The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.” The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.