R360 Competition Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, including Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game 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 economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.