R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

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

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.