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

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

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.