R360 League Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

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

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.