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

Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.