R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the potential union bans were announced recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.