R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.