R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.