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

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the potential union prohibitions were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.