R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.