R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.