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

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

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