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

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

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session next year.