R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

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

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

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

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.