R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.