R360 Players Face 10-Year Ban from NRL

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major union nations, including Australia, last week announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.