R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading union nations, including Australia, recently declared a ban on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.