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

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.