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

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

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

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.