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

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.