R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.