R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.