R360 Competition Players Face 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.