R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

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

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

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.