R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.