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

Rugby league's authority has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the potential union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.