R360 League Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“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 bans were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.