R360 League Players Face 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.