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

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

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

Following the prospective rugby union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.