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

Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.