R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.