R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.