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

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

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

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.