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

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.