R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.