R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.