🔗 Share this article R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 caps for New Zealand before changing allegiance to the Samoan team. Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade. The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule. Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides based in major cities around the world. Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360. A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches. “We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head V'Landys. “Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit. “They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves. “They are, in reality, copying the game.” R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers. Following the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list. “The series is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as specified in their deals.” The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.