R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

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

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union countries, including Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing international matches.

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

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.