R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.