R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.