R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.