Australian rugby league’s governing body says players who join the “counterfeit” breakaway R360 league will be banned for 10 years.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Leading National Rugby League (NRL) players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men’s teams and four women’s teams based in major cities around the world.
Samoa’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360., external
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported, external to be considering joining.
Eight major rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.
“We’ve listened to our clubs and we’ve acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys.