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

Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.