R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.