R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.