R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and women's teams based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.