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

Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

After the prospective union sanctions were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

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