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

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.