R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.