R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.