R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.