R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.