R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.