R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

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

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

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.