R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.