R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.