R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential union sanctions were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.