R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

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