R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading union nations, including Australia, recently declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.