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

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.