R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

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

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.