R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.