R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

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

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.