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

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union bans were announced recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

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