R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.