R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.

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

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.