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

The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.