R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.