R360 Players Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.