R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.