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

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.