R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.