R360 League Athletes Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the prospective union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.