R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.