R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.