R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.