R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session next year.