R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.