R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head the official.

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

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.