R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.