R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.