R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the possible union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.