R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from NRL

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.