R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.