R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.