R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.