Australian rugby league issues 10-Year ban threat over breakaway R360 competition

Australia’s rugby league governing body has warned that any player who signs up for the proposed R360 breakaway competition will face a decade-long suspension from the sport, Sport360NG reports.

The new R360 league, slated to launch in October 2026, has been courting both rugby league and union players with lucrative contracts and a lighter playing schedule. The venture plans to feature between six and eight men’s teams and four women’s sides, all based in major cities around the globe.

Several high-profile National Rugby League (NRL) players, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the New Zealand Warriors, have confirmed contact with R360 representatives. Others such as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray have also been linked with potential moves.

Last week, eight leading rugby union nations, including Australia, announced that players who join R360 will be barred from international duty.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys said the governing body acted swiftly after consultation with clubs.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organisations trying to hijack our sport for financial gain,” V’Landys said. “They don’t contribute to development or player pathways, they exploit the work of others, putting athletes at financial risk while profiting themselves. They are, in effect, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is being co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and is reportedly backed by private investors. Following last week’s warnings from the rugby union authorities, the league reiterated its desire to collaborate with existing bodies and insisted it would allow players to represent their countries.

R360 co-chief executive Mark Spoors said the new competition aims to give players more freedom and create fresh opportunities for fans and athletes alike.

“History shows that when athletes are offered genuine choice, threats often follow,” Spoors said. “R360 is about empowering players and offering new ways for fans and the next generation to experience rugby. We’re moving ahead as planned and will share more details in the coming months.”

R360 intends to present its proposal for approval to World Rugby, the global governing body for union, at next year’s council meeting.