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

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

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

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.