R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible union prohibitions were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.