R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and women's teams located in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.