R360 Players Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head the official.

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

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

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.