R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible union sanctions were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session next year.