R360 Players Face 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.