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

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.