R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. 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 league is established by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.