R360 League Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.