R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.