R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

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 slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the prospective union bans were declared last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.