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

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

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.