R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

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

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

After the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.