R360 Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

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

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

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

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.