R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL

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

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.