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

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.