R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.