R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.