R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.