R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

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

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.