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

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.