R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

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

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.