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

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.