R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

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

After the prospective rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.