R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.