R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

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

The new league, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

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

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.