R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.