R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.