R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.