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

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.