R360 Players Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

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

Following the potential union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.