R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.