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

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.