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

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

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

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.