R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.