R360 Players Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.