R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.