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

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

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

Following the potential union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.