R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.