R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.