R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were revealed recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.