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

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.