R360 Athletes Face 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.