R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.