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

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”

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