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

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.