R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union nations, including Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the prospective union sanctions were revealed last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.