R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 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 slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.