R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

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

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.