R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The league is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.