R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.