R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.