R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.