R360 Players Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.