R360 Players Face 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

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

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.