R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the potential union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.