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

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.