R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

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

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.