R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.