R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

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

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the potential union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.