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

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.