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

Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.