R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

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

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.