R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.