R360 League Players Face 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.