R360 Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

After the possible rugby union bans were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.