R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

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

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.