R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

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

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.