R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the prospective union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.