R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.