R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.