R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby player in action — The rugby star earned 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before transferring loyalty to the Samoan team.

The NRL's administration has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.

Tony Cook

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