R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.