R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

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

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.