R360 Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in major cities globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.