R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

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

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

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