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

Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of union countries, including Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.