R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.