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

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.