R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.