R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.