R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.