R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

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

A group of union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

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

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

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

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.