R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.