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

Rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.