R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.