R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

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

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

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

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the potential union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.