R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union bans were announced recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session next year.