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

Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

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

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.