R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL

The NRL's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

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

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.