R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.