R360 League Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

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

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.