R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and women's teams based in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.