R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

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

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.