R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.