R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.