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

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams located in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the prospective union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.