R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.