R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL

Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes 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 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts 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.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.