R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch 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 allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

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

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session next year.