R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

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

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were announced earlier, it said: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.