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

Rugby league's authority has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the possible union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.