R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.