R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.