R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed 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 new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.