R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

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

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.