R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.