R360 Players Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union teams, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.