R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

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

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.