R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.