R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the possible union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.