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

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

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