R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.