R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's head the official.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.