R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.