R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

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

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

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