R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.