R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the prospective union bans were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.