R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union sanctions were announced last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.