R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.