R360 Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

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

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.