R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

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

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.