R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

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

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.