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

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.