R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.