R360 League Players Face 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

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

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

A group of union nations, including Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the prospective union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.