R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.