R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.