R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.