R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.