R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.