R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

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

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.