R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible union bans were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.