R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.