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

The NRL's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.