R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the prospective union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.