R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.