R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

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

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

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

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

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The league is established by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.