R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.