R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.