R360 League Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.