R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

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

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

Eight major union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.