R360 Players Face 10-Season Ban from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.