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

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective union sanctions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.