R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.