R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union bans were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

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

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.