R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were declared last week, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.