R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the potential union bans were declared recently, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.