R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.