R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.