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

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were declared recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.