R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union countries, including Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

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