R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.