R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

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

After the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.