R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.