R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.